Iran Rejects Oman's Proposal for Joint Management of the Strait of Hormuz
Oman’s efforts to promote joint management of the Strait of Hormuz have yet to bear fruit. Iran has rejected the proposal and put forward an alternative scheme it considers more aligned with its security interests.
The move comes amid lingering differences of opinion over the governance of the strategic shipping lane that directly borders the territorial waters of both countries.
According to a report, Oman submitted a concept for a joint regional management mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz, applying a voluntary fee system for transiting vessels.
Under the scheme, Iran would not hold sole control over the Strait of Hormuz. Oman’s proposal adopted the model applied in the Strait of Malacca, a key shipping route connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
In the Strait of Malacca, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore apply a voluntary contribution mechanism from transiting ships. The funds are used to support navigational safety, environmental protection, and search and rescue operations in the area.
Oman’s proposal was said to be aimed at reducing disruption to global trade caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Nevertheless, the Iranian government is reported not to have fully accepted the idea. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, affirmed that Tehran rejected Oman’s proposal regarding an equal division of transit lanes between the two countries. According to him, the draft has not yet addressed Iran’s concerns regarding security.
Gharibabadi said Iran had conveyed a counter-proposal to Oman. Under the proposal, Iran would manage the shipping lanes on its side of the strait, while Oman would regulate some, but not all, of the lanes on the opposite side.
He also affirmed that Iran has no plans to open negotiations with the United States. However, he assured that communication with Oman continues, adding that talks with Oman are proceeding step by step.
Meanwhile, a report by an Al Jazeera journalist in Iran on Thursday (30/7) stated that Oman had proposed three shipping lanes for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz: one route through Iranian territorial waters, one international lane, and another through Omani territorial waters.
The report also noted that a number of issues remain unresolved between the two countries. The differences include the determination of shipping routes, financing mechanisms, the party authorised to regulate the operational management of the lanes, and the clearance of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.