Referencing the Malacca Model? A "Voluntary Fund" Proposal Emerges for the Strait of Hormuz

On whether ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz should be charged fees, the United States, Iran, and Oman have each offered new statements.

According to The New York Times, on June 30, multiple U.S. and Iranian officials revealed that the United States and other Western countries had received a proposal from Oman. Under this plan, Oman acknowledges Iran’s demand that shipping companies must pay a service fee to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Oman emphasizes that this service fee should be voluntary rather than mandatory. Furthermore, Oman suggests emulating the arrangements in the Malacca Strait and Singapore by establishing a private foundation to collect voluntary donations aimed at ensuring maritime safety.

With Oman partially accepting Iran's fee requirement, the U.S. stance has also shown subtle shifts—on the 29th, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Asenio Dominguez reversed his earlier position, stating that establishing a "voluntary fund" in the Strait of Hormuz "might be feasible."

Both Oman and Dominguez refer to the "voluntary fund" model inspired by the Malacca Strait transit mechanism: a joint navigation support fund managed by Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This fund operates through voluntary contributions from shipowners, shipping companies, and vessel states, with funds used to maintain lighthouses, buoys, provide emergency tug services, and protect the surrounding environment.

In essence, Oman’s proposal to establish such a fund serves as a diplomatic compromise for both the U.S. and Iran. Moreover, if Trump were to covet revenue rights over the Strait of Hormuz—something he has expressed interest in before—it could allow him to share in the benefits via the fund structure.

However, according to The New York Times, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia may not be willing to accept this arrangement—Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal previously stated that the Strait of Hormuz "must return to its pre-war status."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869508396773388/

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