Oman Proposes 'Voluntary Toll' for Strait of Hormuz to Iran

Oman, a country bordering the Strait of Hormuz, has proposed to Iran the establishment of a joint management system for the strait, which includes the collection of voluntary tolls, Reuters reported on the 28th local time, citing regional sources.

The source stated, "Under Oman's proposal, which is supported by regional countries, Iran will no longer exercise unilateral control over the Strait of Hormuz."

Oman's latest proposal is reportedly modeled after the Strait of Malacca, where users voluntarily contribute funds for navigation, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations.

The source added that the proposal has gained the backing of regional nations.

In the Strait of Malacca, shipping lines make contributions to maintain navigational safety facilities, including buoys and lighthouses.

An official from Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, also distanced itself, stating that it was not involved in the discussions.

An IMO spokesperson said, "Any proposals for new routes or marine traffic management measures must be submitted to the IMO for review by member states."

The IMO established recognized international shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz back in 1968.

These routes are currently being used despite the risk of Iranian sea mines. While Iran has urged vessels to use routes closer to its own coast, the United States has been providing support to ships using routes closer to the Omani side.

Oman has previously expressed negative reactions on multiple occasions to Iran's pursuit of imposing tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.

During the IMO Council meeting held on the 9th, the Omani side stated, "Oman does not support the imposition of tolls on vessels passing through the strait," while adding, "At the same time, Oman believes there are merits in exploring voluntary agreements related to navigational support services."

Meanwhile, Iran has previously argued, based on Article 5 of a post-war memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the United States, that the U.S. recognized its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Citing this provision, Iran recently launched multiple attacks on vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz outside of designated routes.

In response, the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Iran, and Iran retaliated with strikes on U.S. bases in the region, raising concerns over the resumption of all-out war.

However, the U.S. abruptly halted its airstrike operations targeting Iran following the last strike on the 23rd, and Iran has also suspended its military actions against the U.S.

Amid these developments, as mediating countries such as Pakistan and Qatar put forward truce proposals on the 10th, expectations are growing for a diplomatic solution to resume ship navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump also stated that the U.S. is having "good talks" with Iran and that the possibility of an agreement exists.

However, he did not forget to warn that U.S. airstrikes would resume if the negotiations fail to yield results.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.