[Sources: Oman proposes charging transit service fees for the Strait of Hormuz in collaboration with Iran, U.S. expresses opposition] BlockBeats News, June 30, according to The New York Times, multiple informed officials and diplomatic sources revealed that Oman has submitted a formal proposal to the U.S. and its Western allies, suggesting a joint initiative with Iran to charge transit service fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to support navigational safety and operational management. The report states that the proposal partially references the operational models of the Malacca Strait and the Singapore Strait. Regional diplomats indicated that the fees are intended to be voluntary, but Iran has stated that payments would be mandatory. Currently, the U.S. has received Oman's proposal and expressed concerns about the arrangement, stating it will continue consultations with Oman. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that the U.S. opposes any form of charges, tolls, or donations for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the pre-war state of free navigation should be restored. The report highlights that future management arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz remain a key topic in U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran will soon initiate negotiations with Oman to discuss matters including the fee mechanism and route adjustments. [Original link]