Gulf countries have rallied behind Iran's proposal to allow the collection of voluntary fees from ships navigating the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. This plan, advocated by Oman, seeks to address disruptions in oil transportation caused by recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel in the region.

According to a report by Reuters on July 28, 2026, the initiative aims to create a more stable maritime environment by permitting Iran to manage the Strait jointly with Oman, rather than unilaterally controlling it. The voluntary fee system is modeled after practices in the Strait of Malacca, where Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore have implemented similar measures to support maritime operations and environmental protection.

The backdrop to this proposal includes Iran's previous actions that effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most foreign vessels following a military campaign by the U.S. and Israel. A recent agreement between the U.S. and Iran had temporarily reopened the waterway, but tensions escalated again, leading to renewed calls for cooperation among Gulf nations.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, recently discussed the situation in the Strait with his counterparts from Oman and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for regional collaboration. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has commented on the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine, suggesting that attacks on Iranian vessels in the Caspian Sea should be viewed as a direct assault on Iran itself.

The proposal for voluntary fees could significantly impact maritime security and oil transportation in the region, potentially reducing tensions and fostering cooperation among Gulf states. However, both Iran and Oman have yet to publicly comment on the details of this plan.