Ceasefire: Iran and Oman to Charge Tolls in the Strait of Hormuz

Darwin, 08 April:

After 40 days of intense fighting, the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week (14-day) ceasefire, marking a significant de-escalation in tensions across the Middle East.

The announcement was made by Donald Trump on Tuesday (April 7) via his social media platform, Truth Social, just before a previously set deadline expired.

He said the decision came following a “special request” from Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir. According to Trump, a planned “devastating strike” on Iran has been suspended for 14 days as part of the agreement.

A key condition of the ceasefire is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical maritime routes—for global shipping.

Iran’s Position and Toll Decision
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran’s acceptance of the ceasefire, stating that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured over the next two weeks in coordination with Iranian armed forces.

However, a controversial element has emerged: both Iran and Oman plan to impose transit tolls on vessels using the strait during this period. Officials say the move is based on the shared regional jurisdiction over the waterway.

According to an unnamed regional official cited by Associated Press, Iran intends to use the collected funds to rebuild defense, administrative, and civilian infrastructure damaged during the recent conflict. Oman’s plans for its share of the revenue remain unclear.

International Concerns and Legal Issues
The toll decision has drawn strong objections from United Arab Emirates and Qatar, both of which have called for maintaining free and open navigation and resolving financial matters through alternative means.

Under international maritime law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, countries bordering strategic straits are generally not allowed to impose direct transit fees. However, limited charges for specific services—such as pilotage, towing, or port assistance—are permitted if applied without discrimination.

Strategic Importance of the Strait
Located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the 34-kilometer-wide Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy supply, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through it.

The waterway had effectively been closed during the conflict, with attacks on vessels contributing to a sharp rise in global oil prices.

Next Steps

As part of post-ceasefire efforts, all relevant parties are expected to meet in Islamabad on Friday to discuss long-term peace arrangements and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz.