Oman has proposed a new model for managing the Strait of Hormuz
Oman has presented Iran with a proposal to establish a joint regional mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative calls for an end to Tehran’s sole control over this strategically important maritime route and the introduction of a system of voluntary contributions to fund its operation.
According to the agency, the proposal—which has already received support from a number of countries in the region—was presented to Iranian officials last weekend in Tehran.
The document calls for the creation of a regional mechanism for the joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, which would mean that Iran would no longer have exclusive control over one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
Oman’s initiative is based on principles already applied to the management of the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
There, responsibility for navigation and security is shared among the three coastal states—Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Under the proposal, users of the Strait of Hormuz would voluntarily contribute to a special fund.
The funds raised are planned to be used for:
- navigation management;
- environmental protection;
- search and rescue operations;
- other services necessary for the safe operation of the maritime corridor.
On Monday, July 27, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi discussed the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz with his counterparts from Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The issue of managing the strait has become one of the most complex during peace talks following the war between the U.S. and Iran.
Before the conflict began, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
Iran insists that the Strait of Hormuz cannot return to the regime of free navigation that existed before the war with the U.S.
At the same time, the Persian Gulf countries oppose any mandatory payments to Tehran, supporting the search for a compromise model for managing the strategic sea route.
Reuters reports this, citing a source.
Over the past few days, Iran has been secretly moving oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz even before the United States reinstated its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Bloomberg reported this, citing vessel tracking data.
