Moscow, Russia. Iran’s ambassador to Moscow said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen under new conditions set by Iran and Oman, including transit fees. The statement reaffirmed a position that Washington has firmly rejected.
Ambassador outlines reopening conditions
Ambassador Kazem Jalali told the Russian newspaper Izvestia that the strait would be open under terms to be determined by the Iranian and Omani authorities.
“Of course, this strait will be open, but with new conditions to be determined by the Iranian and Omani authorities,” Jalali said. He added that Iran and Oman provide certain services related to the strait and that fees would be charged for those services, without providing further details.
Iran’s position on transit charges
Iran has previously said that a permanent peace deal should allow it to charge fees for ships transiting the strait, with charges varying by vessel type, cargo and prevailing conditions.
US opposition
US President Donald Trump has opposed such an arrangement. In late May, Washington warned Oman not to take part in any Iranian toll scheme, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Oman’s ambassador had told him that no such plans were in place.
Japan and shipping activity
Japan, which imported around 95% of its oil from the Middle East before the war, said it had not paid a fee after a Japan-linked crude tanker passed through the waterway in May.
Strategic importance of the strait
Before the US-Israeli war on Iran largely cut off traffic, the Strait of Hormuz carried one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Several tankers have managed to leave the Gulf in recent weeks, but flows remain severely constrained.