Gulf states have thrown their support behind Oman’s proposal to establish a joint regional mechanism with Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz through voluntary user fees, according to a Gulf source cited by Reuters.

The proposal, presented to Iranian officials in Tehran over the weekend, would have Iran share responsibility for managing the strategic waterway rather than exercising sole control. It is modeled after the Strait of Malacca, where Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore jointly oversee maritime operations through a voluntary funding system that supports navigation services, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue efforts.

The future of the Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in efforts to end the conflict with Iran. Before the war, the waterway handled roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iran has insisted the strait cannot return to its pre-war status, while Gulf states oppose any plan requiring vessels to pay mandatory transit fees to Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussed the proposal Monday with his counterparts from Oman and Saudi Arabia. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, he stressed the need for greater regional cooperation and diplomatic efforts to restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz, blaming recent insecurity on U.S. actions.

President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States is engaged in “good talks” with Iran and that an agreement remains possible. He also warned that U.S. military strikes would resume if negotiations fail to produce results.

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