Gulf nations back Omani plan for voluntary transit payments to resolve Hormuz maritime crisis

Gulf Cooperation Council member states have formally endorsed a diplomatic initiative proposed by Oman to introduce voluntary service fees for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to restore global energy shipments disrupted by the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The framework, modeled after the cooperative navigation safety mechanism used in Asia’s Malacca Strait, allows shipowners to make optional financial contributions toward environmental protection, search-and-rescue services, and navigational maintenance rather than paying mandatory tolls.

Designed as a compromise between Tehran’s demand for administrative authority over shipping lanes and Washington’s insistence on unimpeded international transit, the Omani proposal explicitly prevents Iran from exercising exclusive operational control over the waterway while offering a structured path toward reopening commercial transit routes.

The diplomatic breakthrough coincides with a temporary lull in direct aerial bombardments after US President Donald Trump called off a two-week bombing campaign following advice from military commanders.

Despite the pause in direct strikes between Washington and Tehran, regional tensions remain elevated due to ongoing proxy drone activity across Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, alongside continued US naval enforcement actions against non-compliant commercial vessels.

While market reactions to the suspension of airstrikes sent global crude prices down sharply, formal resolution remains subject to upcoming diplomatic negotiations in Washington and the broader implementation of the bilateral framework agreement.