UK think tank proposes 8-nation joint management for Strait of Hormuz; Iran shows interest

Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, a British think tank has put forth a novel proposal: joint management of the vital waterway by its eight coastal nations. The plan, detailed by the UK-based Brusq & Bazaar Foundation, aims to establish a cooperative framework to prevent recurring disputes.

The proposal envisions a joint organization formed by Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. This body would levy a small fee, equivalent to 0.1% of the cargo value, on the approximately 600 supertankers and gas carriers transiting the strait. The collected revenue would be used for environmental management and cleanup efforts. This model draws inspiration from the European Coal and Steel Community established after World War II, which aimed to foster economic interdependence among former adversaries to promote peace.

This initiative comes at a critical juncture, as Iran asserts control over the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. champions freedom of navigation, creating a diplomatic standoff. Oman, which shares the strait with Iran, has previously suggested a voluntary fund for environmental cleanup and anti-piracy efforts, similar to initiatives in the Malacca Strait.

Encouragingly, there are signs of interest from Iran. The state-run IRNA news agency recently published a full Persian translation of the Brusq & Bazaar Foundation's proposal, indicating a potential openness from the Iranian government. However, experts caution that the path forward remains uncertain, largely due to the unclear strategic objectives of the United States in the region.

"The most negative factor right now is the uncertainty of the U.S. position," noted Ryan Crocker, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq. "Gulf states will definitely need long-term U.S. guarantees before taking any action, whether unilaterally or jointly."

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The most negative factor right now is the uncertainty of the U.S. position. Gulf states will definitely need long-term U.S. guarantees before taking any action, whether unilaterally or jointly.