Washington, United States – Web Desk: The United States has escalated pressure on Oman over reports of possible cooperation with Iran regarding a toll collection system in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences for any country involved in restricting commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
According to international media reports, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would not tolerate any attempt to impose fees on commercial vessels passing through one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.
Bessent stated that Oman, in particular, should understand that the US Treasury Department would aggressively target any state directly or indirectly facilitating toll operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
He warned that sanctions and punitive measures could be imposed on any partner involved in such activities.
The US treasury secretary also urged countries worldwide to reject what he described as Iran’s attempts to disrupt free commercial activity in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Tehran’s efforts to intimidate the region and global markets would not succeed.
The remarks follow earlier comments by US President Donald Trump, who reportedly warned Oman amid growing regional tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict and broader Middle East security concerns.
Meanwhile, Iran has proposed joint management of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran and Muscat, though Oman has not publicly endorsed any plan to control or regulate maritime traffic in the area.
Analysts cited by international media described the US warnings toward Oman as highly unusual given the country’s long-standing security and economic partnership with Washington.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global oil transit route, with rising tensions fueling concerns over international trade, energy markets, and regional stability.
