Iran has reportedly proposed a plan to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz that would exclude vessels from the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state media. The draft agreement, which is still under review, would also restrict passage for cargo linked to Israel and countries deemed to have caused harm to Iran. Under the proposed terms, violators could face penalties equivalent to 20% of their cargo’s value.
U.S. officials swiftly rejected the proposal, emphasizing that any arrangement for the critical waterway must remain open to all parties without restrictions. A U.S. representative stated that the Strait of Hormuz is an international passage that cannot be controlled by any single nation, and that any temporary shipping routes must operate without fees, tolls, or permission requirements.
The proposal emerged as Iran and Oman work to finalize a separate agreement on strait management, with both nations signaling that a deal announcement could come imminently. Iranian officials stated the arrangement aims to resume negotiations between Tehran and Washington based on a ceasefire agreement reached in June. Regional sources indicated the deal has received support from Gulf Cooperation Council members and may involve oversight from the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization.
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