Iran and Gulf Nations Hold Talks on Oman-Proposed Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Without U.S. Participation

Diplomats from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iranian officials convened on Monday to examine an Omani-drafted framework aimed at restoring regular commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting proceeded without representation from the United States, which has so far limited its engagement to military escorts for oil tankers.

The Omani plan proposes a legal structure that would allow voluntary contributions to fund navigational safety and environmental protection, rather than mandatory tolls. Sources said the idea of compulsory fees for Iranian revenue remains largely rejected, though there is openness to symbolic measures that could satisfy both sides.

Regional participants hope the talks will generate momentum for a broader agreement, even though officials acknowledge that a comprehensive solution is unlikely without U.S. participation. A regional source noted, "> There is no imminent breakthrough expected, but resolving the strait issue is the most pressing issue, so we need to start somewhere."

U.S. officials have indicated they prefer to focus any future negotiations with Tehran on the nuclear program rather than the strait’s reopening. A U.S. administration official said, "> We don’t want to talk about the strait, and that is the position of the administration right now — we’re only going to talk to you if you want to talk about nuclear file."

The United States continues to escort up to 40 commercial vessels per day, but the sustainability of that level of naval support is uncertain. Treasury officials have suggested the strategic importance of the waterway could decline within a few years, while regional diplomats stress that a long-term framework remains essential, especially in light of recent attacks that have threatened alternative shipping routes.