Hyderabad, June 29 -- Oman has denied reports that it supports imposing transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi clarifying that discussions with Iran concern voluntary maritime services rather than compulsory charges.

Speaking in an interview with Monte Carlo International Radio, published by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, June 29, al-Busaidi said the Sultanate remains committed to the International Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation. He stressed that Oman does not support charging ships to transit the strategic waterway.

The minister said there is a clear distinction between transit fees and maritime, environmental and safety services. While compulsory ch...