Oman, a coastal nation of the Hormuz Strait, has proposed a plan for joint management of the strait by regional countries. This plan suggests that shipping companies voluntarily cover costs necessary for navigation safety. Iran, however, has opposed the idea of shared management and has presented its own proposal to strengthen its control over the area.
According to Reuters on July 28, Oman recently delivered its joint management proposal for the Hormuz Strait to Iran, backed by support from Gulf nations.
Oman's proposal aims to prevent Iran from having sole control over the strait, suggesting instead that shipping companies voluntarily contribute to costs related to navigation safety, environmental protection, and search and rescue operations. This differs from mandatory tolls imposed on vessels for passage.
Oman's plan is reportedly inspired by the management system of the Malacca Strait, where coastal nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore jointly manage the waterway. Shipping companies contribute to maintaining navigation safety facilities like buoys and lighthouses.
Iran has rejected Oman's joint management proposal.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on state television that Iran has proposed a temporary plan that places the entire direction of one shipping lane and part of the opposite direction within Iranian waters. He warned that if Oman does not accept this, Iran would maintain its blockade of the Hormuz Strait.
Iran has also claimed it will not recognize existing routes established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), arguing that most of these routes are in Omani waters, making it difficult for Iran to adequately monitor passing vessels.
The IMO has stated it is not involved in the current discussions, emphasizing that any new routes or maritime traffic management plans must be formally submitted for review by member countries. The IMO established international routes through the Hormuz Strait in 1968.
Oman has consistently opposed Iran's push for mandatory tolls. During an IMO board meeting on July 9, the Omani delegation stated, "We do not support vessel tolls," while also noting that voluntary cost-sharing related to navigation support services is worth considering.
The Hormuz Strait is a critical maritime route, with about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passing through it. Recent military clashes between the U.S. and Iran have heightened calls for a stable management plan for the strait.
As the U.S. and Iran have recently ceased mutual attacks, mediating countries are continuing discussions for a ceasefire and the resumption of shipping operations.
U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned he is having "good conversations" with Iran, suggesting the possibility of an agreement. However, he warned that if negotiations do not yield results, he may resume military strikes against Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also spoke with the foreign ministers of Oman and Saudi Arabia the previous day to discuss safety in the Hormuz Strait and regional stability.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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