European nations weigh tolls for ships passing the Strait of Hormuz

European governments, including the United Kingdom and France, are preparing to accept the possibility that commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz may be required to pay tolls to Iran and Oman. The discussion follows a recent temporary U.S.–Iran shipping agreement that has revived commercial traffic through the strategic waterway.

Sources say European officials are urging Iran and Oman to ensure any fee system does not discriminate on the basis of a ship’s flag or nationality, while also pressing for an international naval coalition to tackle smuggling in the strait. Oman is reportedly studying the fee model used in the Malacca Strait, and Bahrain has publicly stated it has not accepted any such tolls. The exact nature and amount of any future charges remain undefined.