• Oman proposes a Gulf-backed plan for voluntary fees to manage the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran seeks more control over the strait, rejecting Oman’s equal oversight proposal.
• The proposals aim to facilitate shipping amid disruptions from ongoing conflicts.
• The discussions draw parallels to systems in place in the Strait of Malacca.
• Regional cooperation is essential as Gulf states engage in talks during this geopolitical tension.

Oman has introduced a proposal to Iran for managing the Strait of Hormuz, which includes the collection of voluntary fees for ships using the waterway. This initiative has the backing of Gulf states and aims to address trade disruptions resulting from the US-Israeli war on Iran. The Omani plan presents a framework similar to the one in the Strait of Malacca, where ships make voluntary contributions for navigation and environmental efforts, as noted by sources from the region and Western diplomats, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

In response, Iran has expressed concerns about the balance of control over the strait, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasizing that Tehran requires greater oversight as part of any agreement. He stated that Oman’s proposal does not adequately address Iran's security interests, and Iran is unwilling to return to pre-war conditions where maritime passage was free of charge. Iran's proposed revisions entail managing shipping lanes within its territorial waters while allowing Oman some control over parts of the opposite lane, as documented by India Times and Al Jazeera.

Both sides are navigating complex points of contention, including the exact routes for maritime traffic, the nature of the proposed fees, and the responsibilities for mine clearance, as the recent conflicts have highlighted security concerns in the region. Under the Omani model, any fees collected from shipping could go towards funding safety and navigational improvements. However, the types and amounts of fees remain a complex issue, with provides estimates suggesting significantly varying figures, contrasted against potential earnings from a voluntary fee structure like that of the Strait of Malacca, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and India Times.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has also been active in seeking ways to improve maritime safety in the narrower waters, holding discussions amid evolving tensions that threaten major oil and gas shipping routes. Such cooperation underscores a mutual interest in maintaining stability and security in the region, as expressed by the Qatari Foreign Ministry following recent GCC meetings, as reported by Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.