UK Think Tank Proposes Strait of Hormuz Shipping Deal
A UK think tank proposes a regional shipping pact for the Strait of Hormuz, with tanker fees, shared oversight and maritime security across the region.
Analysts at the British Bourse & Bazaar Foundation have proposed a compromise framework for managing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, The New York Times reported. The initiative would create a regional body modeled on the European Coal and Steel Community established after World War II.
Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, the foundation’s chief executive, argued that the ability of regional states to charge a nominal fee for maritime security and environmental work could serve as a test of whether a more durable peace is possible.
Under the proposal, only large oil tankers would pay for use of the sea route. Its authors believe the arrangement could address Iran’s push for greater control over the waterway while giving all eight coastal states a shared interest in regional stability.
Military experts have warned that reopening the strait by force would carry serious risks. They identified the possible mining of the waters and the use of unmanned systems as the main threats.
Iranian media have already shown interest in the idea of collective regulation, while Washington’s position remains unclear.
The proposal emerged after US President Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire with Iran. Tehran then suggested managing the Strait of Hormuz jointly with Oman and without US participation.
The US administration, meanwhile, proposed creating an international consortium to guarantee freedom of navigation in the region.