Oman proposes 'voluntary transit fee' to Iran for Hormuz Strait

Oman has presented Iran with a proposal for managing passage through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a system of voluntary fee collection from ships using the vital waterway. This initiative seeks to garner support from Persian Gulf nations.

The Omani plan, according to diplomatic sources, involves collecting voluntary fees from vessels transiting the strait. This model is inspired by the voluntary contribution system used in the Strait of Malacca, where ships contribute to navigation safety, environmental protection, and search and rescue operations. Western diplomats have likened this to consumers voluntarily paying for carbon offsets when buying airline tickets.

“

Oman proposed to the Iranian side a plan where Iran manages the one-way traffic lane on its coast, and Oman manages part of the opposite lane bordering its coast.

Previously, during the early stages of the Iran-Iraq war, mediating countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey had proposed joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, including collecting transit fees from ships.

“

If an agreement is not reached with Oman, we will continue on our path regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.

However, Iran has put forth its own demands, seeking to expand its control over the strait. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran proposed a plan to Oman where one-way traffic lanes would be managed by Iran within its territorial waters, with parts of the opposing lane also falling under Iranian control. Iran rejected Oman's proposal for separate management of north-south traffic lanes.

Gharibabadi asserted that if an agreement with Oman is not reached, Iran will proceed independently regarding the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the strait could remain closed. He reiterated that Iran would "absolutely not recognize" the southern shipping lanes along Oman's coast in any way. The U.S. maintains its stance that the Strait of Hormuz must remain an international waterway free from Iranian control or restrictions, and insists that any negotiated settlement must not include passage fees or charges.

“

We will absolutely not recognize the southern (Omani coast) shipping lanes in any way.