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Omani Proposal Aims to Resolve Hormuz Deadlock
Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf-backed proposal to regulate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including a system of voluntary transit fees, as regional powers seek to stabilize one of the world’s busiest energy corridors . The initiative is aimed at restoring confidence in maritime trade through the strategic waterway after months of disruption caused by the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran .
Voluntary Fees, Not Mandatory Tolls
Under the Omani proposal, Iran would not exercise sole control over the strait, and any payments by vessels would be entirely voluntary . The system would be analogous to arrangements in Asia’s Strait of Malacca, where Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore ask ships to pay voluntary contributions to fund navigation, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations .
Iran has insisted the strait cannot return to its pre-war status, where shipping flowed freely without charges . Washington, however, wants to restore the pre-war status quo and argues that mandatory fees would be illegal under international law .
Diplomatic Engagement Continues
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussed the Strait of Hormuz with his Omani and Saudi counterparts on Monday, stressing the need for regional cooperation . Oman’s delegation had earlier told the International Maritime Organization’s governing council that it “does not support the imposition of transit fees on vessels passing through the strait” but “sees merit in exploring voluntary arrangements” .
Trump Warns of Renewed Strikes
The proposal comes as US President Donald Trump said there were “good talks” taking place with Iran, while warning that Washington could resume military strikes if negotiations fail to deliver results . “I think there’s a good chance that something could happen, and if it does, good, if it doesn’t, we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago,” Trump said .
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, however, denied that Tehran had requested negotiations, calling such reports “fabricated” and stating, “This is not in our DNA” .
Fragile Truce Holds Amid Attacks
Washington suspended its two-week bombing campaign against Iran over the weekend after military commanders advised that the strikes had largely achieved their objectives . However, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq reported drone attacks on Monday, underscoring the fragility of the pause
