Oman Proposes Regional Strait of Hormuz Management Plan for Iran

Commercial vessels travel through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping corridor at the center of ongoing regional diplomatic discussions.

 Oman Proposes Regional Plan for Shared Strait of Hormuz Management

RIYADH — July 28, 2026

Oman has presented Iran with a proposal to establish a regional system for managing the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Gulf source familiar with the discussions. The plan aims to improve cooperation and help maintain safe navigation through one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.

Under the proposal, Iran would take part in a joint regional management framework instead of exercising sole control over the strategic waterway. The source said the initiative has support from other countries in the region.

The suggested system is modeled on the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia. Under that approach, countries and companies using the route make voluntary financial contributions to support navigation services, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations rather than paying mandatory transit fees.

The proposal comes as diplomatic efforts continue following the recent suspension of U.S. airstrikes against Iran. The pause in military action has raised hopes that negotiations could reduce tensions and allow commercial shipping to operate more normally through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carried about one-fifth of the world's energy supplies before the latest conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that talks with Iran were progressing positively and suggested there was still an opportunity to reach an agreement. However, he warned that military strikes could resume if negotiations fail.

Iran also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussed the security of the Strait of Hormuz in separate phone calls with his Saudi and Omani counterparts. According to Iran's foreign ministry, the discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, supporting diplomatic efforts to improve stability, and addressing security concerns affecting the waterway.

The proposal has not yet been publicly accepted by Iran, and no agreement has been announced. Discussions among regional governments are continuing as they seek ways to reduce tensions and protect international shipping.