Oman, with the backing of several Gulf countries, has proposed a plan to Iran for the joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at reducing tensions and restoring normal shipping through one of the world’s most important energy routes. Under the proposal, management of the strategic waterway would be shared among the countries bordering the strait, and Iran would not have exclusive control over it. The plan also includes the creation of a fund, with voluntary contributions from ships, to support maritime safety, environmental protection and search-and-rescue operations. According to Reuters, the proposal was presented to Iranian officials in recent days, but Tehran rejected the idea, insisting that control and management of the Strait of Hormuz should remain under Iran’s authority. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil and gas shipments, and any disruption to maritime traffic through the waterway could have significant effects on international energy markets.
