Iran has rejected Oman’s proposal for a new regional management system for the Strait of Hormuz, dealing a blow to efforts to ease tensions over one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes. The proposal, presented to Iranian officials over the weekend and reportedly backed by Gulf states, called for replacing Iran’s sole management of the strait with a joint regional framework.
It also proposed voluntary contributions from shipping companies, rather than mandatory transit fees, to fund navigation services, environmental protection, search and rescue operations and other maritime activities. Modelled on the management of the Strait of Malacca by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, the plan was aimed at improving regional cooperation and ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the waterway.
However, a senior Iranian official said the proposal had “no chance of success”, insisting that only Iran and Oman should manage the strait in line with their territorial waters. The official also argued that Iran should control the entire inbound shipping lane and part of the outbound lane, claiming routes through Omani waters could pose safety risks to shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz, which handled about 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the US-Israel-Iran conflict, remains central to regional diplomatic efforts. Security concerns have rendered the International Maritime Organization’s recognised traffic separation scheme largely unusable, with Iran advising vessels to sail closer to its coastline while the United States offers assistance to ships using routes nearer Oman.
The International Maritime Organization said it is not involved in the negotiations and noted that any changes to shipping routes or traffic management measures would require approval by its member states. Earlier this month, Oman reaffirmed its opposition to mandatory transit fees, backing voluntary contributions instead.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also discussed the future of the Strait of Hormuz this week with his Omani and Saudi counterparts as diplomatic efforts continue.