Iran and Oman will jointly impose fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a reversal of a prior US-Iran agreement ensuring free passage.
The critical waterway has been closed to commercial traffic since April due to failed ceasefire negotiations. This new toll regime aims to prevent unilateral Iranian action but directly contradicts recent diplomatic understandings.
The announcement signals heightened regional instability, threatening to further deter commercial shipping. Market indicators show extreme skepticism, with current odds of normal traffic resuming by July 15 priced at only 14.5%.