NYT: Iran holds talks with Oman on charging fees from ships in Hormuz, sharing profits

Iran has held talks with Oman on charging fees from ships that traverse the Strait of Hormuz, with the US-allied Gulf state potentially sharing in the profits, The New York Times reports, despite Washington’s insistence that freedom of navigation be restored to the blockaded waterway.

Two people familiar with the talks are cited by the Times stressing that the discussions are about fees, which are charged for services rendered to transiting vessels, rather than about tolls, which are charged for the transit itself and are illegal under international law.

Oman, a US ally, originally dismissed the idea of partnering with Iran in the strait, but has more recently realized the scheme could benefit Muscat and expressed willingness to push the plan with Gulf neighbors and with the US, the Times says, citing two Iranian officials.