Al Jazeera news network is reporting that Oman has sent a plan to Iran regarding the future governance of the Strait of Hormuz, and that the plan has been endorsed by the other GCC states.
Oman and Iran held several rounds of talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday.
The Omanis have proposed establishing a regional consortium of Iran and the Gulf states. It will manage maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz by providing “security” for the ships attempting to pass.
The Omanis have proposed the strait be toll-free; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean the ships won’t pay fees. They have come up with a model in which, as ships pass through, they will pay a “voluntary service fee” to ensure environmental protection.
The Omanis are now suggesting three lines for the maritime traffic: one that runs through Iran’s territorial waters, an international one, and one through Omani territorial waters.
Once this has been accepted, Iran will take responsibility for mine clearance, particularly in the international line. However, the technical negotiating teams have not yet finalised this.
Despite public statements, al Jazeera is saying that Iran is demonstrating some flexibility.
source: commonspace.eu with Al Jazeera (Doha)
