US Treasury threatens Oman with sanctions over Hormuz Strait tolls

According to an Al Jazeera report, a US Treasury official has delivered a message warning that Washington 'will aggressively target' actors facilitating tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman directly named. The Treasury official said that countries should avoid any financial-intermediation structure that could help Iran generate additional revenue through Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Bessent had issued a similar warning on Hormuz toll attempts earlier this week.

Oman has functioned as a mediator in back-channel messages between the United States and Iran in recent years, and in the diplomatic management of the Hormuz crisis. The threat of sanctions tied to the country's name tests Muscat's delicate balance. Oman's foreign ministry, in an initial statement, reiterated the country's commitment to preserving freedom of navigation in Hormuz and called for dialogue; independent analysts say Muscat will need to maintain a careful tone with both Washington and Tehran to keep its mediator role intact.

In the period ahead, concrete US Treasury OFAC steps, Oman's response, the Gulf Cooperation Council's posture and the Hormuz chapter of the continuing US-Iran negotiations will be watched closely. Brent crude prices held volatile after the news. This article is not investment or travel advice.