Iran is currently engaged in discussions with Oman regarding a proposed system that would allow both nations to charge ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative is being pursued despite explicit warnings from the United States, which has strongly opposed any form of payment mechanism in this crucial international waterway. The discussions revolve around charging service fees instead of tolls, a distinction that Iranian officials believe could make the proposal more legally defensible under international law. However, concerns remain regarding the legality of such fees, especially since ships typically do not require docking in the Strait.

In response to these developments, Iran has established the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' to oversee the Strait and has published a map outlining its management boundaries. The US government, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has stated that imposing tolls would be unacceptable and could jeopardize diplomatic relations. Additionally, recent US intelligence reports have indicated the presence of underwater mines in the Strait, further complicating the security situation in this vital shipping route.