Oman FM reaffirms toll-free Strait of Hormuz passage after talks with Iranian officials

Oman's foreign minister said he met with senior Iranian officials to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed the principles of compliance with international law and safe, toll-free passage through the waterway.

Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said Monday (local time) on social media platform X that he had "welcomed Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat."

Al Busaidi said the talks included "constructive discussions on the recently concluded Iran-US memorandum of understanding, particularly the provisions relating to the Strait of Hormuz." He added that the parties "reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring safe and toll-free navigation in compliance with international law."

Qalibaf, who serves as Iran's chief negotiator in ceasefire talks with the United States, and Foreign Minister Araghchi visited Oman — the mediating country — immediately after returning from their first round of talks with the US in Switzerland.

Al Busaidi's remarks appeared to underscore the principle that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to passage without tolls.

The Iran-US memorandum of understanding includes a provision requiring Iran to take measures ensuring toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. However, concerns have emerged in the shipping industry that Iran may seek to effectively impose transit fees under the guise of charges labeled "fees," "insurance commissions" or "premiums."