Muscat: Oman has secured the backing of Gulf states for a plan allowing Tehran to collect voluntary fees from ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative aims to address disruptions in oil trade caused by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
According to TRTworld.com, President Donald Trump recently halted a two-week US bombing campaign against Iran, despite previous military actions intended to break Iran's control over the strait. Trump hinted at potential resumption of strikes if negotiations with Iran do not produce satisfactory results. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected any intention to resume discussions with the US.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil and natural gas is transported, was effectively closed to international shipping by Iran after a joint US-Israeli attack in February. A partial reopening was achieved through a US-Iran deal, but the agreement unraveled in July following Iranian attacks on unauthorized ships.
Iran has expressed a desire to co-manage the strait with Oman and to impose service fees on passing ships. The US, however, advocates for a return to the pre-war status of free passage and views mandatory fees as illegal.
Under Oman's proposal, Iran would share control and the fees would remain voluntary, mirroring a system used in the Strait of Malacca, where regional nations request voluntary contributions for navigation and safety operations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently engaged in discussions with Omani and Saudi counterparts, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration, as stated by Iran's foreign ministry.
President Trump, after consulting military advisors, decided against further air strikes, which had caused significant destruction and loss of life in Iran. In retaliation, Iran targeted US bases and civilian infrastructure in Gulf states, asserting it would cease fire if the US did the same.
Despite ongoing drone activity reported in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and northern Iran, Trump remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the five-month conflict but warns of renewed military action if negotiations fail.
Iran has maintained that it has not pursued new talks with the US, accusing Washington of breaching a prior agreement on negotiation frameworks.
Amid these tensions, Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although Israel has not been involved in recent peace discussions and bilateral relations have been tense.
The cessation of US bombings has led to a significant drop in oil prices, with Brent crude futures experiencing a continued decline.
A framework for extensive discussions, including Iran's nuclear program, was agreed upon in June between Washington and Tehran. However, disagreements persist over the interpretation of terms related to the Strait of Hormuz, with each side holding differing views on the requirements for transit supervision.
