Oman has told European officials that the Strait of Hormuz can no longer function as before without any changes. According to reports, ships passing through this strategic sea route may have to pay some kind of fees in future. However, it is not yet clear whether this fee will be mandatory or not. Omani officials said their country would continue to fully comply with international maritime law, but ships could be charged for services such as pollution control and navigational assistance. However, it is not yet decided whether it will be necessary for all ships to pay for these services or not.

Also studying other sea routes
According to the report, Oman is also watching how other major sea routes of the world operate. This also includes the Malacca Strait of Asia, where at present no mandatory transit fee is charged from ships.

Also read: Ceasefire broken between Iran and America? Big US attack in Tehran, missile-drone sites targeted, revenge for attack in Hormuz

Increased concern of America, Europe and Gulf countries
The discussion of possible imposition of fees by Oman and Iran on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has increased the concern of America, European countries and Gulf Arab countries. They fear that this could put additional pressure on one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

Issue will arise in the meeting of Macron and Sultan of Oman
This matter is also expected to be raised in the meeting of French President Emmanuel Macron and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman in Paris on Monday. According to Macron’s office, the two leaders will discuss the security of sea routes. France says that ‘free and unconditional movement’ of ships through the Strait of Hormuz should be ensured.

Oman trying to strike a balance between America and Iran
Oman is a close ally of America, but it also has good relations with Iran. This is the reason why he has played the role of mediator between Washington and Tehran many times. In recent days, different signals have been received from Oman. Earlier in the week, Oman and Iran issued a joint statement saying they would discuss the future operation of the Strait of Hormuz and related costs, but just two days later, Oman signed a joint statement with the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), rejecting efforts to establish any tolls, fees or control over the Strait of Hormuz.

What did Marco Rubio say?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during his visit to Bahrain, ‘He said the same thing in the meeting and signed the same statement in which it is clearly written that no fees or tolls will be imposed. So I think this is good news. According to Bloomberg’s report, Omani officials have privately told European officials that they are under pressure from Iran. During the recent conflict, Iran had launched missile and drone attacks across the region. Oman also did not remain untouched by these attacks. Despite suffering losses in US and Israeli air strikes, Iran still remains a major military power in the Persian Gulf.

What did the expert say?
Bader al-Saif, an assistant professor at Kuwait University and associate fellow at Chatham House, told Bloomberg, “Oman is currently stuck trying to balance between Iran and the United States.” He further said, ‘Till now this strategy has somehow worked, but when both sides are in a war-like situation and are trying to outdo each other, then Oman’s maintaining this balance may create difficulties for it in the future.’

Medical test (premarital medical examination) has been made mandatory for all couples getting married in Oman from January 1, 2026. This decision has been implemented under Royal Decree No. 111/2025 issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. Now before finalizing the marriage contract, it is necessary for both the partners to pass this test, whether the marriage takes place inside or outside Oman. This rule will apply even if one partner is non-Omani. Now the question arises that which diseases will be examined in this test?

Why was this decision taken?

Oman’s Health Ministry has made this rule to improve the health of families and protect future generations from genetic diseases. Earlier this test was optional, which was running since 1999. At the same time, in 2025, only 42-43 percent people were getting it done, due to which this test was made mandatory. It is believed that now more and more couples will get this test done.

Which diseases are tested?

Under this new rule of Oman, mainly two types of investigations are done.

1. Hereditary Blood Disorders:

• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Thalassemia

They are detected to be carriers of these diseases. If both the partners turn out to be carriers then this disease can be serious in the child. These diseases are very common in Oman and according to statistics, 9.5 percent of the population is affected by them.

2. Infectious Diseases

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS

These diseases can spread from one partner to another or from mother to child. These diseases are detected early through testing, which makes treatment easier. These tests are done in primary healthcare centres. Upon completion of the test, couples receive a fitness certificate, which is necessary for the marriage contract. Couples’ reports are not shared with any third person. This means that privacy is taken full care of.

What do doctors and experts say?

According to Dr. Saeed bin Harib Al Lamki, Undersecretary at the Health Ministry of Oman, this decree is a very important step to strengthen public health and protect families. This will prevent genetic and infectious diseases from reaching future generations. At the same time, according to Dr. Raya bint Saeed Al Kammiani, head of the National Center for Women and Children’s Health in Oman, premarital screening prevents the spread of infectious diseases and reduces the risk of transmission of disease from mother to child. Early detection can lead to timely treatment and counseling.

Why is this rule very important?

Cousin marriage is quite common in Gulf countries like Oman. Due to this, genetic diseases spread more. Such tests are already mandatory in other Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. This rule has been in place in Saudi Arabia since 2004, where testing for sickle cell and thalassemia is the main thing. Genetic testing has been further expanded in the UAE from 2025, where 570 genes are tested, which are linked to more than 840 diseases.

Also read: These are the strangest diseases of the world, you will be shocked to hear the condition of those suffering from them.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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