Malacca model on the table for the Strait of Hormuz

A new diplomatic formula for the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is on the agenda. European countries and regional actors are evaluating an option that envisions supporting maritime security through non-mandatory navigation fees, similar to the model applied in the Strait of Malacca.

It is stated that the plan is being discussed within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency that regulates maritime transport. The proposal is based on the idea of creating a voluntary contribution mechanism for specific navigation and security services rather than making passage through Hormuz fee-based.

It was reported that Oman has prepared a proposal adapting the principles of the Strait of Malacca to Hormuz in collaboration with British legal experts and has suggested sending legal experts to Tehran to explain the plan. According to Iranian state media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will also travel to Oman to discuss the topics of the strait and shipping security.

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM UNDER DISCUSSION

It is stated that while UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has warned that mandatory transit fees could have severe consequences, some cabinet members have pointed out that there are payment systems for certain navigation services in natural waterways such as the Strait of Malacca and the English Channel.

The initiative comes at a time when the US is demanding public assurances from Iran that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and that ships will not be attacked. Washington is expected to approach any formula that could open the door for Iran to charge for passage through the strait with caution.

At the IMO Council meeting held in London, Omani delegate Khamis bin Muhammad Al-Shamahi stated that the right of transit passage is guaranteed by international law and that they do not support transit fees. However, he said that voluntary arrangements that could enhance maritime security could be useful.

In the Gulf, there are varying reactions to the proposal. Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari argued that granting Iran a sphere of sovereignty in a manner contrary to international maritime law would mean "becoming a hostage to radical elements."

At the meeting, an attempt by some Gulf and European countries to condemn Iran was not supported by Russia and China. While Russia stated that the text ignored the root causes of the crisis, China declared that it found the proposal one-sided.

Diplomatic activity accelerated after the US struck more than 150 targets in southern Iran and Iran retaliated against US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. US President Donald Trump's announcement that the temporary ceasefire had ended but that contacts for lasting peace would continue also indicated that tensions persist.

It is stated that Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran last month stipulates that Iran will ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels free of charge for 60 days. While the US argues that this provision does not mean that ships can only pass with Iran's permission, the Revolutionary Guards claim that the commitments are being fulfilled.