On Thursday, the United States issued a stern warning to Oman against any attempts to establish a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US government would impose penalties on any entities involved in facilitating such a system. This warning follows the announcement of new US sanctions targeting an Iranian agency responsible for overseeing shipping operations in the strait, part of a broader economic pressure campaign against Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has defended its oversight system, asserting that vessels must adhere to designated maritime corridors approved by Iranian authorities, with threats of attacks on ships that deviate from these routes. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor, historically responsible for a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Ongoing conflicts in the region have resulted in sharp increases in global energy prices and shipping insurance costs, raising concerns about the stability of commercial navigation in the area.