Iran’s ‘Hormuz Game’ Fails; Oman Retreats and F-35 Jets on Alert

The End of the ‘Transit Toll’ Dream in the Strait of Hormuz

In recent days, reports emerged regarding a joint plan between Iran and Oman to establish a new management system in the Strait of Hormuz, which included imposing 'maritime service fees' or transit tolls on commercial vessels. However, this plan, known as the 'New Hormuz Game,' faced a sharp international backlash and ultimately failed [1]. Washington immediately declared that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and no country has the right to charge fees for free passage. Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, warned during his regional visit that accepting such a plan would mean 'absolute chaos' for global energy trade [3].

Muscat’s Retreat Under Washington’s Pressure

Oman, which has traditionally played the role of mediator in the region, retreated from its position after receiving explicit warnings from the United States. Badr Albusaidi, the Foreign Minister of Oman, clarified in a meeting with American officials that his country's plans for the security of the Strait of Hormuz do not include any imposition of transit tolls [3]. These statements were made despite earlier reports from Tehran and Muscat regarding the review of service fees in the waterway. Analysts believe that Washington's diplomatic pressure and the threat of returning crippling sanctions forced Oman to distance itself from Iran's proposed plan [1].

Attack on the ‘Ever Lovely’ and Suspension of Maritime Evacuation

Simultaneous with these diplomatic tensions, the situation on the ground in the Strait of Hormuz has become highly unstable. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) suspended the evacuation operations of hundreds of ships trapped in the area on Thursday following an attack on the Singapore-flagged vessel ‘Ever Lovely’ [4]. Reports indicate that the ship was targeted by a projectile or a drone near the coast of Oman. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has rejected the UN-proposed routes, stating that safe passage will only be possible through routes designated by Iran [2].

F-35 Combat Readiness; A Clear Message to Tehran

In response to these movements, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has increased its combat readiness level. F-35 stealth fighters previously deployed to the region are now on full alert [5]. US President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not adhere to agreements regarding freedom of navigation, the United States may put military options, including the bombing of sensitive positions, back on the table [4]. The presence of these fighters and continuous reconnaissance flights over the Persian Gulf demonstrate Washington's resolve to prevent any change in the legal status of the Strait of Hormuz.