US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a social media post on 28/5 that "Oman should be aware that the US Treasury Department will aggressively target any entity facilitating transit fee collection in the strait of Hormuz, whether directly or indirectly. Any partner willing to participate will face sanctions."

He warned that Washington "will not tolerate" any attempt to impose a transit fee system in the strait of Hormuz, referencing Iran's proposal as part of a potential agreement with the US.

During a subsequent press conference at the White House, Secretary Bessent announced that he had spoken with the Omani ambassador and received assurances that "there are no plans to collect transit fees" in the strait of Hormuz.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent speaks at a White House press conference on 28/5. *Photo: AP*

"I informed him that such a move was impossible. He does not wish to risk individuals and financial institutions in Oman facing sanctions," the US treasury secretary added.

The threat came hours after the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), an organization Iran established to oversee the strait of Hormuz.

The US Treasury Department accused the PGSA of being a new attempt by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to generate revenue by "extorting vessels" transiting the area. It warned that anyone cooperating with the PGSA risks sanctions from Washington.

Oman, known for its neutral stance, has not stated any desire to jointly control the strait of Hormuz with Iran. The US and Oman are close allies, maintaining strong ties for over 200 years.

In peacetime, the strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping lane for about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas. The strait falls under the shared management of Iran and Oman, is not classified as international waters, and vessels currently pass through free of charge.

The location of the strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

US President Donald Trump on 27/5 threatened to "blow Oman away" when questioned about a short-term agreement that would allow the country and Iran to control the strait of Hormuz. While some believed President Trump mistakenly said "Oman" instead of "Iran", the US Department of State's X account promptly posted a video of his remarks, seemingly to reaffirm the message.

Pham Giang (According to AFP and The Hill)