Similar to the Suez Canal, a Gulf-Arab plan to impose “transit fees” in the Strait of Hormuz
Similar to the Suez Canal, a Gulf-Arab plan to impose “transit fees” in the Strait of Hormuz
2026-03-30 01:10
Shafaq News – Washington
Reuters reported on Monday that several countries in the Middle East and South Asia had presented Washington with proposals regarding the resumption of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz before the meeting of foreign ministers in Islamabad yesterday.
According to the sources, the proposals that were submitted included a transit system for fees similar to the system applied in the Suez Canal.
The agency also noted that “Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are considering forming a consortium to oversee the transport of oil products through the strait, and this idea was discussed separately with American and Iranian delegations.”
In contrast, a Gulf-Russian-Jordanian ministerial meeting is being held today to discuss Iran’s attacks on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, and the dangerous developments in the region.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he wants to “seize the oil in Iran and may take control of the export hub on Kharg Island, at a time when the United States is sending thousands of troops to the Middle East.”
But an attack on the export center would be risky, increasing the likelihood of more American casualties and prolonging the cost and duration of the war.
However, despite his repeated threats to seize Iranian oil production, Trump confirmed that indirect talks between the United States and Iran through Pakistani “envoys” were progressing well.
Trump has set an April 6 deadline for Iran to accept a deal to end the war or face US strikes on its energy sector.
The US-Israeli war on Iran has entered its second month, with airstrikes continuing on Iran, which is responding by striking Israeli territory and US military sites in the Middle East.
Tehran had announced on March 11 that it would not allow any oil shipments belonging to the United States or its allies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil exports pass.
shafaq.com
