- Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf-backed proposal to jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz, including a system of voluntary fees for ships using the strategic waterway.
- The plan aims to provide a framework for restoring stable shipping through the strait after months of disruption caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
- The proposed system is analogous to one in place on Asia's Strait of Malacca, where ships pay voluntary contributions for navigation and environmental protection.
Oman has introduced a Gulf-backed proposal to Iran for the joint management of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This initiative includes a system of voluntary fees for vessels navigating the waterway, aiming to restore stability in shipping operations.1
The proposal comes in response to months of disruption linked to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has seen increased tensions and attacks on commercial shipping. According to a Gulf source and a Western diplomat, the plan seeks to establish a framework that allows for collaborative management of the strait, with Iran expressing interest in sharing control with Oman, which borders the strait on the opposite shore.
Under the terms of the proposal, Iran would not have sole control over the strait, and the fees for ships would be voluntary, mirroring a system currently in place in Asia's Strait of Malacca. This system encourages vessels to contribute voluntarily to support navigation, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency in the region.3
The initiative reflects a broader effort to mitigate the impact of geopolitical tensions on maritime trade, particularly in a region that is crucial for global oil transportation.
“The plan includes a system of voluntary fees for ships, similar to the model used in Asia's Strait of Malacca, which funds navigation and environmental protection. This initiative seeks to stabilize shipping routes after months of disruption caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran and attacks on commercial vessels.”
