Europe considers Oman-backed Hormuz navigation fee plan to resolve row with Iran: Report | Today’s news
European governments are exploring proposals that could introduce voluntary navigation service charges for ships using the Strait of Hormuz, provided the tolls are not compulsory and are supported by the UN maritime agency, The Guardian reported.
The proposal is being considered as diplomats seek a long-term solution to tensions around one of the world’s most critical sea lanes after months of conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy warned that mandatory tolls to pass through the Strait of Hormuz would be “disastrous”.
However, some members of the UK government have acknowledged that charging for specific navigation-related services is already accepted on several international waterways, including the Straits of Malacca and the English Channel, the report said.
Oman proposes a Malacca-style framework
The Guardian reported that Oman, in collaboration with British legal experts, had drafted a procedure modeled after the cooperative system used in the Straits of Malacca.
Muscat offered to send legal experts to Tehran to explain the framework, which relies on voluntary contributions to maritime services rather than mandatory transit fees.
Iran and Oman to negotiate the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Oman for talks on the future of the Strait of Hormuz and maritime security.
According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, quoted by The Guardian, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the discussions would focus on the “Strait of Hormuz and shipping security” and continue the consultations that have been ongoing with Oman for the past two months.
Oman controls most of the navigable waters in the strait and opposes any mandatory toll system.
Qatar warns against Iranian control
Qatar has also expressed concern over proposals that could expand Iranian authority over the strategic waterway.
According to The Guardian, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari warned that granting Iran sovereignty over the strait in a manner inconsistent with international maritime law would effectively leave global shipping vulnerable to disruption by hardline factions.
Divisions are emerging in Iran
Despite Tehran’s push for greater control over shipping, The Guardian reported that diplomats believe there are differing views within Iran’s leadership.
One diplomat told the newspaper that some elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) say the United States acted illegally when it attacked Iran earlier this year and therefore international maritime law should no longer constrain Tehran.
But others in Iran’s leadership favor cooperation and diplomatic engagement, suggesting there are differences over the country’s long-term strategy for the Strait of Hormuz.
An independent proposal is gaining interest
The Iranian embassy in London has expressed interest in an independent proposal prepared by the Energy Policy Research Group, The Guardian reported.
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Oman reaffirms international law
Omani representative Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi reiterated at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council meeting in London that international law guarantees the right of transit through international straits.
According to The Guardian, he said the legal framework governing the Strait of Hormuz does not support mandatory transit fees.
However, Oman supports voluntary arrangements on aids to navigation, maritime safety, environmental protection and emergency services.
The IMO is divided on the Iran resolution
At an IMO meeting in London, Gulf and European countries sought to pass a resolution condemning Iran over attacks on commercial shipping and its efforts to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to The Guardian, the proposal failed after Russia and China refused to back it, exposing ongoing divisions in the international community over how to respond to the crisis.
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