US-Iran War: Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Trump administration has put forward a plan that a multinational consortium will take over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to ensure free passage of vessels through the strategic waterway.

Diplomatic sources told The Telegraph that Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, presented the proposal last week at a G7 foreign ministers' meeting.

According to one interpretation of his remarks, Rubio emphasised that the arrangement would involve 'no fees' and allow for 'free circulation' through the vital shipping route.

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Another Proposal Emerges

A second proposal, reported by news agency Reuters, has emerged in discussions between Pakistan and regional powers. According to the report, citing a Pakistani source, the plan was shared with the White House ahead of talks on Sunday.

Similar to the US proposal, it includes a multinational consortium, including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, which would manage oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Sources added that the idea of a management consortium had been discussed with both the US and Iran.

Proposal Includes Suez Canal-Style Transit Fee

The proposal includes a Suez Canal-style transit fee for ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, The Telegraph report added.

Vessel passing through the Suez Canal must pay a special toll depending on their weight, size, and cargo, a system that provides a major revenue source for Egypt, which regulates passage through the waterway.

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Introducing a Suez Canal-style transit fee in the Strait of Hormuz could serve as a diplomatic tool in Iran peace talks to convince the Islamic Republic to ease its control over the strategic chokepoint.

The Strait of Hormuz is not owned by any single country and uses the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman. However, the key shipping route, which handles about one-fifth of global oil exports, gives Iran significant leverage in the region.


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