---
title: "Oman proposes paid transit plan through the Strait of Hormuz to Iran: impact on oil markets"
description: "Oman has proposed a paid transit plan through the Strait of Hormuz to Iran with revenue sharing. The initiative aims to stabilize trade following conflict escalation, but the US opposes mandatory fees. 🛢️🚢"
date: 2026-07-28T12:50:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/oman-proposes-paid-transit-plan-strait-of-hormuz-iran
tags: [oman, iran, ormuz-strait, trump, oil-market]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Oman proposes paid transit plan through the Strait of Hormuz to Iran: impact on oil markets

![Tankers and cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz against the backdrop of Oman's proposal for paid transit for Iran](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/28/oman-iran-plan-ormuz-strait-toll/oman-iran-plan-ormuz-strait-toll-1.webp)

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway upon which global oil trade depends, has become the focal point of international diplomacy. Oman has put forward an initiative that could fundamentally alter the rules of the game in the region. The Sultanate's authorities have presented Iran with a plan to introduce paid passage for ships, with the resulting revenue to be shared between the countries.

### The essence of the proposal: voluntary contributions and profit sharing

According to information obtained by Reuters from sources in Persian Gulf countries and Western diplomats, Oman has proposed a scheme where tolls for passage through the strait would be voluntary. A key condition is that Iran will not exercise sole control over the collection of funds. Instead, the revenue will be shared, which should satisfy the Iranian side, which claims the right to manage the strait alongside Oman.

The model proposed by Oman is based on the successful experience of the Malacca Strait in Asia. There, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore have long used a system of voluntary contributions from shipping companies. These funds are directed towards improving navigational safety, maintaining fairways, and preventing accidents. Oman hopes that a similar approach in the Persian Gulf will become the foundation for restoring stable trade, which has been disrupted due to the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran.

### Tehran's reaction and Washington's position

As of the evening of July 27, no official response from Iran to Oman's proposal had been received. Meetings between Omani and Iranian officials took place in Tehran over the past weekend, but the details of the negotiations remain confidential. Iran has previously declared its right to joint management of the strait and the collection of fees for services, which contradicts US interests.

Washington insists on a return to the status quo that existed before the start of hostilities, when ships passed through the strait freely and without any payments. The US administration considers the introduction of mandatory fees to be illegal and believes it could be seen as blackmailing the global economy. US President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, stated that "good negotiations" are being held with Iran but threatened to resume strikes if the dialogue does not lead to positive results. In Tehran, meanwhile, they deny attempts to resume direct negotiations with the Americans.

### Impact of the conflict on global oil prices

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz directly affects quotes on global exchanges. Following the US and Israeli attack on February 28, Iran effectively closed the strait to foreign vessels, allowing passage only to its own ships. In June, an agreement was reached that partially resumed shipping, but in early July the situation flared up again after Iranian attacks on merchant vessels.

The end of the US bombing campaign over the weekend caused a sharp market reaction. On Monday, oil prices fell by approximately 8%, and the decline continued on Tuesday. Brent crude futures fell by more than 2.5%, reaching a mark of around $86 per barrel by midday. Investors fear that any disruption in supplies through this narrow waterway could lead to a new surge in prices.

### History of escalation and prospects

The conflict in the region is scaling up. On July 16, the US returned to active military operations against Iran due to the blockade of the strait. On July 22, Trump warned that US military forces would respond to any new Iranian attacks. Under such conditions, Oman's proposal looks like an attempt to find a compromise that will avoid the complete blockade of one of the world's most important trade routes. However, the success of this initiative depends on Iran's willingness to make concessions and Washington's reaction to the idea of paid transit.