Iran rejects Omani proposal for joint management of Strait of Hormuz

An Iranian official said Tehran has rejected Oman's proposal for regional joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that there is no chance for its success.

The official, quoted by Reuters, added that the United States and Saudi Arabia are pressuring Oman to move forward with what he described as their "unrealistic plans" regarding the strategic strait. He emphasized that this diplomatic proposal has the backing and approval of regional countries concerned with the security and stability of the Gulf.

Reuters had earlier reported, citing a Gulf official, details of a proposal submitted by Oman to Iran aimed at establishing a joint regional mechanism to manage navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz through a "voluntary fee" system.

According to Reuters, the plan involves non-mandatory (voluntary) fees to be paid by countries, companies, and parties using the strait. The collected funds would be allocated to finance key services, including enhancing maritime security, protecting the marine environment from pollution, and supporting joint search and rescue operations.

The source revealed that the Omani proposal is entirely inspired by the successful mechanism used in the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia, where countries voluntarily contribute to covering the costs of safety and services related to the operation of the international shipping lane.

The agency also quoted a Gulf source and a Western diplomat as saying yesterday that Oman has secured support from Gulf states for a plan that would allow Iran to collect voluntary fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi affirmed his country's appreciation for the role of friendly and neighboring states seeking to reduce tensions, stressing that Iran will not allow the United States to impose its dominance over the waterways in the region and the Strait of Hormuz.