Several European countries are preparing for the possibility that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz may in the future be required to pay transit fees to Iran and Oman, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.

The report said some European governments now view such charges as an increasingly realistic possibility and are assessing their potential impact on global shipping, energy supplies and international trade.

According to the sources, officials from several Gulf countries have privately expressed similar expectations, while European governments are urging Iran and Oman to ensure that any future fee system would be applied equally to all vessels without discrimination.

Officials from Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait declined to comment on the report. The Bahraini government said it does not support the introduction of transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Bloomberg's sources said regional governments are seeking to ease tensions by taking a more flexible approach to discussions on a possible fee mechanism.

The report added that Oman is studying voluntary transit contribution models used in other strategic waterways, including the Strait of Malacca, where similar arrangements exist involving Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. It remains unclear, however, whether Iran would agree to a voluntary payment system.

Separately, Axios reported, citing a U.S. official, that Washington believes Iran could generate greater economic benefits through the full implementation of the memorandum of understanding reached with the United States than through any future transit fees imposed on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

No official decision has been announced by Iran or Oman regarding the introduction of transit fees, and discussions on the issue remain at an early stage.(ILKHA)