(Bloomberg) — Oman told the United Nations’ shipping agency that it doesn’t support imposing transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, an approach which might set the sultanate at odds with Iran, which is pushing to charge passing freighters for navigation.

“The Sultanate of Oman reiterates that the right of transit passage through straits used for international navigation is guaranteed under international law,” the country said in a meeting of the UN’s International Maritime Organization. “Oman remains fully committed to these legal principles and does not support the imposition of transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Oman’s remarks to the IMO would appear more in line with an approach favored by the shipping industry, non-Iranian energy producing giants in the Middle East, and western powers. However, it also added that it sees merit in exploring what it described as voluntary arrangements relating to navigation support services that could boost maritime safety, security and the environment. 

Since the Iran war began at the end of February, Tehran has asserted its rights to control Hormuz and tried to force vessels to take a route through the waterway that passes north, near the country’s coast. The US has backed an alternative route, near Oman, and sought to protect freighters passing through it.

Oman said any charges would mirror approaches taken elsewhere and follow international norms.

“Such such arrangements could draw upon international best practices and successful experience in other strategically important maritime corridors,” it said. 

Bloomberg reported late last month that Oman has told European officials that there’s no way of going back to the pre-war status quo with the Strait of Hormuz and that transiting ships may have to be charged some fees. Omani officials said at the time they will always abide by international maritime law. 

Oman said at the IMO on Thursday that any future understandings around Hormuz must be pursued within the framework of international law.