Gulf States and U.S. Reject Iran's Proposal to Toll Strait of Hormuz

Iran's initiative to levy tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz has encountered significant resistance from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and the United States. During a summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, GCC leaders discussed regional developments and coordinated their response to Iran's proposal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently visited Oman to propose a joint arrangement for managing the strait. However, Oman, previously targeted by Iranian strikes, rejected the proposal, leaving Tehran's plan in jeopardy. A source familiar with the mediation efforts noted that Gulf allies are unwilling to finance Iran's reconstruction or allow it to control the strait or impose tolls on passing ships.

Former Pentagon official Alex Plitsas emphasized that GCC states support the U.S. administration's stance that Iran cannot control or toll the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Iran's strategy of attacking GCC states to pressure the United States has backfired, setting back relations with Gulf neighbors by decades.

The GCC meeting marked the first since the conflict began two months ago. As the situation approaches its third month, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, expressed a desire for a swift and lasting end to the war, stating that Qatar does not want to see a return to hostilities or a frozen conflict that could be reactivated for political reasons.