Oman has secured backing from Gulf states for a proposal that would allow Iran to charge voluntary transit fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The initiative, reported by multiple wire services, is designed to unblock oil trade disrupted by ongoing regional hostilities and integrate Iran into a stabilized maritime security framework.
The proposal marks a significant shift from the previous standoff, where Iran threatened to close the strait entirely.
By framing the fees as voluntary and diplomatically sanctioned, the plan seeks to provide Tehran with a revenue stream while ensuring the continued flow of global energy supplies.
This approach attempts to balance Iranian security concerns with the economic imperatives of Gulf exporters and global importers.
Brent crude prices have been volatile in recent weeks, retreating to pre-war lows as shipping activity in the strait appeared to normalize. The introduction of a formalized fee structure could introduce a new cost variable for shipping operators, though the voluntary nature of the payments suggests the impact on immediate freight rates may be limited.