Oman has presented Iran with a plan, backed by the Gulf states, regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan calls for voluntary fees for its use.
Reuters reported this information on July 28, citing a source in the Gulf states and a Western diplomat.
This plan could serve as a basis for ending trade disruptions through the strait caused by Israel’s war against Iran.
According to Oman’s proposal, Iran would not exercise sole control, and the collection of fees would be voluntary, Reuters notes, citing sources.
The system will be similar to the one in place in the Strait of Malacca in Asia, where Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore ask ships to make voluntary contributions to fund navigation, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations.
A source from the Persian Gulf region reported that as of the evening of July 27, no official response had been received from Iran regarding this proposal. Omani officials met with their Iranian counterparts in Tehran last weekend.
The Situation in the Strait of Hormuz
Following the U.S. and Israeli attack on February 28, Iran effectively closed the strait to all ships except its own.
In June, an agreement was reached between the U.S. and Iran that partially reopened the strait. However, in early July, it was suspended again when Iran fired on ships.
Iran has stated that it wants to manage the strait on an equal footing with Oman, which controls the opposite shore, and accordingly charge fees for services to ships using it.
Washington wants to return to the pre-war status quo, when ships could pass freely without any obstacles.
