A senior Iranian official stated Tehran has ruled out Oman's proposal for regional joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it unrealistic and accusing the US and Saudi Arabia of pressuring Oman.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG transportation, and any disruption or increased control by Iran could impact energy markets and international trade.
Tehran has ruled out Oman's proposal for regional joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The official stated that the plan has no chance of success, adding that the US and Saudi Arabia are trying to pressure Oman to advance their "unrealistic plans" regarding the vital waterway.
Oman had previously proposed a joint regional mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz, including voluntary fees for maintenance and services, which was backed by Gulf states. This plan aimed to prevent disruptions to oil trade and avoid Iran's sole control. However, Iran rejected this proposal for joint management and an equal division of transit routes, instead proposing a temporary arrangement that would grant Tehran greater control over transit. A US official deemed Iran's demands for fees unreasonable during ongoing ceasefire talks. Reports indicated momentum in talks to revive a US-Iran memorandum of understanding concerning the Strait of Hormuz, with mediators pushing for a deal, though Iranian officials have publicly denied seeking new negotiations with the US. The American Petroleum Institute, the top US oil industry trade group, opposes any new tolling authority for the strait.