Iran’s Hormuz Toll Plan Sparks Fears of a Global Oil Crisis

Following Israeli strikes on energy facilities in South Pars Gas Field, and reported Iranian attacks on energy installations in Gulf countries, Oman has emphasized the importance of adhering to international law.

Fresh explosions were reported in Tel Aviv as the conflict between the United States and Iran entered its 20th day. Despite increasing diplomatic calls to contain the violence, attacks across the region have intensified. After Israeli strikes on facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars Gas Field—which Iran shares with Qatar—Tehran reportedly carried out retaliatory strikes on oil refineries and energy installations in several Gulf countries on Thursday.

Iranian Lawmakers Propose Tolls on Ships Passing Through Hormuz

Iranian lawmakers have proposed imposing tolls and taxes on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to local media reports on Thursday. Somayeh Rafiei, a member of Iran’s parliament, told the Iranian Students News Agency> that lawmakers are working on a plan under which countries using the strait as a secure transit route for energy and food supplies would be required to pay tolls and taxes to the Islamic Republic.

Oman Condemns Attacks on Gulf Energy Facilities

Oman has condemned the reported Iranian strikes on energy facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, according to its state news agency. As reported by Reuters, Oman—which had previously mediated talks between the United States and Iran—urged all sides to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure and emphasized the need to adhere to international law.

Oman also called on countries to refrain from attacks on civilian installations and global energy facilities following Israeli strikes on energy plants linked to the South Pars gas field and Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.

Oil Loading Halted at Saudi Port

According to two sources cited by Reuters, oil loading operations at Yanbu Port in Saudi Arabia were halted on Thursday. The development came after Saudi air-defense systems intercepted a ballistic missile over the city.

Earlier in the day, a drone crashed at the SAMREF Refinery, and authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of key energy infrastructure and major oil export routes in the Gulf region.