Hormuz fees plan gains support from Gulf states
Oman has secured backing from Gulf states for a proposal that would allow Iran to collect voluntary fees from ships using the Strait of Hormuz. A Gulf source confirmed the details on Tuesday, describing it as a possible route to end the disruption in oil trade caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Under the Omani plan, Iran would not hold sole control of the waterway. The fees would remain voluntary, similar to the system used in Asia’s Strait of Malacca where Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore request contributions to support navigation safety, environmental protection and rescue services. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussed the idea with his Omani and Saudi counterparts on Monday and highlighted the need for regional cooperation.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route. Before the war, roughly one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through it. Iran effectively closed the strait to most shipping after US and Israeli attacks began in late February. A partial reopening deal reached last month later collapsed when Iran fired on vessels using a channel it did not approve.
US President Donald Trump called off a two-week American bombing campaign over the weekend. He said constructive talks with Iran were underway but warned that strikes would restart if negotiations failed to produce results. Iran has denied seeking fresh talks and accused Washington of violating the previous framework agreement. Trump is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, adding another layer to the delicate diplomacy.
The halt in US airstrikes sent oil prices sharply lower. Brent crude continued to fall on Tuesday, dropping more than 2.5 percent to around 86 dollars a barrel. Washington wants a return to free passage without any payments, arguing that mandatory fees would be illegal. Iran, however, insists on a role in managing the strait together with Oman and collecting service charges.
Recent drone activity was reported in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and northern Iran, showing that tensions remain high even after the pause in major strikes. Both sides have indicated they will hold fire as long as the other does the same, yet the risk of renewed conflict lingers if talks stall.
The Omani proposal offers a practical middle path that could restore confidence in the vital shipping lane while addressing Iran’s demands for a formal role and revenue stream.
