Muscat – Oman has proposed the creation of a regional mechanism to manage navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, including a system of voluntary service fees, during talks with Iran aimed at restoring safe passage through the strategic waterway, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Citing an unnamed Gulf source, Reuters reported that the Omani proposal has the backing of regional states and would establish a joint management framework involving Iran and Gulf countries, rather than leaving Tehran in sole control of the strait.

The proposal is reportedly modelled on the Strait of Malacca, where users make voluntary contributions to fund navigation services, environmental protection and search-and-rescue operations.

Al Jazeera reported that Omani and Iranian officials held several rounds of talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday, during which Muscat proposed the formation of a regional consortium of Iran and the Gulf states to oversee maritime traffic and provide security for commercial shipping.

According to the broadcaster, the proposal envisages three navigation corridors: one through Iranian territorial waters, one through Omani territorial waters and an international shipping lane. While the strait would remain toll-free, vessels would be invited to pay voluntary service fees to support navigation safety and environmental protection.

Al Jazeera also reported that, under the proposal, Iran would take responsibility for mine-clearance operations, particularly along the international shipping corridor, although technical negotiations haven’t concluded.

GCC foreign ministers meet

H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, held a consultative meeting with his GCC counterparts on Wednesday via videoconferencing.

The ministers discussed ways to intensify coordination and consultation among the GCC countries regarding issues related to the freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This is to ensure the rights of passage, transit and the seamless flow of maritime traffic, trade and supplies, in accordance with the provisions of international law, and in a manner that preserves the sovereign rights of all littoral states bordering the Gulf waters, a statement said.

The ministers affirmed the importance of continuing joint action, prioritising political and diplomatic approaches, and creating favourable conditions to build trust and reach mutually acceptable solutions for all parties.