Omani proposal to Iran on Strait of Hormuz gains regional support

Oman has proposed a joint regional mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz with voluntary fees, which has gained regional support. This comes amid a cautious calm after military escalation between the US and Iran, and intensified Arab contacts to de-escalate and ensure freedom of navigation.

Oman has proposed a joint regional mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz, including voluntary user fees, similar to the approach used in the Strait of Malacca. A Gulf source told Reuters that the proposal has regional support. In a related context, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held two phone calls with his Saudi and Omani counterparts, discussing the security of the strait and ways to enhance cooperation. This diplomatic activity follows a 13-day escalation between the US and Iran, which included US strikes on targets inside Iran and Iranian attacks on US military facilities in Arab countries. President Trump announced he had responded to mediators' requests to allow negotiations, while hinting at a return to military options. Washington demands an end to attacks on ships and guarantees freedom of navigation, while Tehran insists on regulating transit.