Washington: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Oman's American envoy has assured him that Muscat has "no plans" to impose tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This statement came in response to heightened tensions following US President Donald Trump's warning to Oman.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US president emphasized the importance of "freedom of navigation in the strait" in a statement that underscored the strategic significance of the waterway. Trump's comments were perceived as a stern warning to Oman, stating, "Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that."

Bessent further explained the diplomatic conversation with the Omani ambassador, noting the longstanding bilateral relationship. "I had a call with the Omani ambassador this morning, and he assured me that there were no plans for tolling the strait," Bessent stated at the White House. He emphasized the mutual desire to maintain good relations, which have spanned over two centuries.

The backdrop of this assurance is the speculation regarding Oman's role as a mediator between the US and Iran. Recent reports suggested that Oman might collaborate with Iran to establish a toll system for the strategic strait, a critical passage for global oil shipments. This move was reportedly part of Tehran's demands amid ongoing negotiations related to the conflict initiated by the US and Israel on February 28.

Oman's geographical position, with an exclave located on the southern tip of the Strait of Hormuz opposite Iran, underscores its strategic importance in such discussions. Bessent made it clear that any tolling plan could risk sanctions against Omani individuals or financial institutions, reinforcing the US's stance on maintaining open and unrestricted access to the strait.