U.S. administration criticizes Oman Strait of Hormuz toll plan

The U.S. administration has threatened sanctions and military action against Oman if the country assists Iran with a proposed tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Thursday that the U.S. would "aggressively" impose sanctions against Oman if it helped Iran establish the tolling system.

He stated that the Treasury would target any actors involved directly or indirectly in facilitating tolls.

Oman sits on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and faces Iran across the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that handles around 20 percent of global oil traffic. The country has maintained a policy of keeping the waterway open to commercial traffic.

Oman has also positioned itself as a regional mediator that maintains relations with multiple parties. Iran has previously indicated it could jointly manage the strait with Oman, though Muscat has not stated it seeks such control.

U.S. officials During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, an administration official said Oman would behave like other nations or face military consequences. The comments followed questions about Oman and Iran overseeing trade through the strait. CNBC contacted a spokesperson for Oman's Foreign Ministry and is awaiting a response.

The administration has not provided further details on the timing or scope of any potential sanctions.