Oman proposes Gulf-backed voluntary fees for Strait of Hormuz

In late July 2026, Oman presented Iran with a Gulf-backed plan that would allow Iran to collect voluntary fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. The proposal, which also includes joint control over the strait, aims to end Iran's sole grip on the waterway, drawing on a model similar to the Malacca Strait. Iranian and Omani officials discussed the plan in phone calls, and Iran's ambassador indicated that the two countries would decide on the fee arrangement.