[71569] Tension in the Persian Gulf: Opposition of Arab states to Iran and Oman's plan to manage the Strait of Hormuz

Growing tension over control of the Strait of Hormuz

Arab countries in the Persian Gulf have appealed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) demanding the rejection of the Islamic Republic's plan to manage the Strait of Hormuz. According to Vahid Online, five countries – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar – sent an official letter to the organization in which they warn that recognizing the Iranian plan to manage the waters could create a "dangerous precedent". The report emphasizes that Tehran is conducting talks with Oman with the goal of imposing fixed payments on vessels in transit.

On the other hand, Iran International, which is identified with critical positions toward the regime in Iran, reports based on the New York Times that the contacts are focusing on a "service fee" rather than a "transit toll". This legal distinction is intended to bypass the international ban on collecting transit tolls in international straits. According to the source, Oman has changed its initial position and has begun discussing revenue sharing, based on an understanding of the "potential economic benefits" inherent in such a system.

At the same time, reports point to a deterioration in the stability of the overall negotiations. As published by پیام ایران, which relies on the Al-Jazeera network, there is a "deadlock in the talks" regarding uranium enrichment and control of the straits. According to the source, rigidity on the part of the US and Iran in raising their demands prevents a breakthrough, which exacerbates the geopolitical uncertainty in the region.

The current crisis highlights the deep rift between Iran and its Arab neighbors, who fear that any Iranian attempt to control maritime traffic will harm their sovereignty and global energy security.