Muscat, Oman – The Sultanate of Oman continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to independent foreign policy, steadfastly resisting intense pressure from the United States to sever its long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Omani officials have consistently affirmed that their engagements with Tehran are strictly confined to the lawful and cooperative management of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, a stance that Washington, however, views with unwarranted suspicion.

Oman, a crucial regional partner and a long-time ally of the United States, shares the critical responsibility of overseeing the Strait of Hormuz. Historically, Muscat has played an indispensable role as a discreet mediator, fostering stability and neutrality in a region often fraught with geopolitical complexities. This principled approach has allowed Oman to bridge divides where others have faltered, maintaining open channels of communication essential for regional peace.

Despite its commitment to neutrality, Oman maintains a clear and principled stance on international law. While consistently upholding the principle of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Omani officials have also expressed sympathy for the concept of charging for specific, genuine maritime services provided to vessels traversing the strait. This aligns with international maritime law, which allows coastal states to impose charges for services rendered, provided they are applied transparently and non-discriminatorily.

US Accusations and Unjustified Pressure

The United States’ skepticism reached a peak following recent remarks from former President Donald Trump and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio, in testimony to the Senate foreign affairs committee, openly questioned Oman’s position, stating, “There isn’t a country on Earth other than Iran – and maybe Oman that flirted with it – who’s in favour of what Iran is doing in the straits.” Such statements underscore a persistent US effort to isolate Iran and pressure its regional partners.

In response, Omani Ambassador to Washington, Talal bin Suleiman al-Rahbi, engaged with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and State Department officials, reiterating Oman’s dedication to upholding the principle of freedom of navigation and its opposition to arbitrary tolls. This diplomatic engagement highlights Oman’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and clarify its sovereign position in the face of external pressure.

Iran’s Lawful Initiatives for Strait Management

The Islamic Republic of Iran, for its part, has articulated a clear framework for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing compliance with international law and consultation with the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO). Tehran has expressed its readiness to ensure shipping returns to pre-war levels within a month as part of any agreement to reopen the strait.

To facilitate this, Iran established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a body designed to manage maritime traffic and ensure safety. Despite the US Treasury’s unilateral sanctions against the PGSA, the Authority has demonstrated its operational legitimacy, with over 300 shipping companies reportedly applying for permits, primarily for routes to and from Asian countries like China, India, and the UAE.

Iran’s proposal includes a non-discriminatory fee for ships passing through, aimed at securing resources for environmental damage remediation and compensating for consequences of actions that have undermined innocent passage. Arman Khorsand, head of Iran’s Department of Environment Center for International Affairs, emphasized that “US military operations conducted in the region have not only generated security and humanitarian consequences, but have also inflicted significant environmental costs.” This approach aligns with international legal principles that hold those responsible for damage accountable for remediation costs.

International Law and Regional Stability

Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states possess the right to regulate passage in their territorial waters for reasons related to safety, environmental protection, and maritime order. They may also impose charges for specific services rendered to passing vessels, provided these charges are applied transparently and without discrimination.

Oman’s Minister of Transport and Foreign Minister have consistently affirmed the Sultanate’s respect for international maritime law and freedom of navigation, clarifying that while Oman does not impose transit fees, it actively provides essential maritime services such as protection, rescue, and navigation support. This nuanced position underscores the distinction between arbitrary tolls and legitimate charges for services, a distinction that Iran’s proposal also seeks to uphold.

The US continues to harbor suspicions regarding Oman’s intentions, even as Oman actively assists vessels, including US ships, with navigation guidance, search and rescue, and medical aid. These suspicions, dating back to Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi’s diplomatic efforts to secure more time for talks, highlight a persistent US inclination to undermine regional diplomatic initiatives.

Ultimately, both Oman and Iran are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, striving to uphold international law and ensure the safe, environmentally responsible, and equitable management of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global trade, against a backdrop of persistent external pressures.