Iran and Oman Secretly Plan Exclusive Control Over Strait of Hormuz Shipping

A groundbreaking report by The New York Times reveals a covert agreement between Iran and Oman to establish exclusive control over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The plan mandates that vessels entering the Persian Gulf navigate a northern route along the Iranian coast under strict supervision by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, while ships exiting the Gulf must use a southern route controlled by Oman. This arrangement effectively grants Tehran de facto authority to collect "service fees" from shipping companies, framed as payments for security and environmental management, with revenues split evenly between Iran and Oman.

The proposal emerges amid a recent framework agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending hostilities, which guarantees safe passage for commercial vessels without fees for 60 days. However, Iran insists on a binding mechanism to enforce payments, contrasting with Oman's voluntary contribution model. The strategic leverage gained by Iran through this control could turn global shipping companies into hostages, as Iran conditions reopening the strait on the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on its ports.

U.S. officials have dismissed the reported details as inaccurate, firmly stating no vessel will be required to pay fees to Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized opposition to any financial claims over the strait, regardless of terminology. President Donald Trump warned Iran that the strait will either reopen soon under peaceful terms or after a severe military strike, underscoring dwindling U.S. patience.

Meanwhile, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates express alarm over Iran's growing dominance of this vital oil corridor. They urge the U.S. to avoid military escalation and seek diplomatic solutions to prevent regional catastrophe. Reports indicate that a dramatic conversation between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump, alongside a new Qatari proposal, influenced the U.S. decision to pause attacks on Iran. Gulf sources warn that Iran's Revolutionary Guards will not concede without escalation, including possible ground maneuvers, while Saudi Arabia cautions that a broad conflict would severely damage regional infrastructure. Riyadh supports diplomatic efforts to maintain security and stability in the area and avert wider conflict.