Multinational consortium to take control of Strait of Hormuz under US plan

A multinational consortium will take over control of the Strait of Hormuz under proposals put forward by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Diplomatic sources told The Telegraph that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented the idea last week during a meeting of G7 foreign ministers. According to one version, Rubio emphasised that there would be “no fees, and free circulation” along the critical shipping route.

However, as reported by Reuters, a second proposal emerged during discussions between Pakistan and regional powers. A Pakistani source said the new plan was presented to the White House ahead of talks on March 29.

Similar to the US proposal, it envisages the creation of a multinational consortium comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia to manage oil flows through the strait. Sources noted that the consortium issue has been discussed with both the United States and Iran.

The alternative plan also includes introducing transit fees, similar to those imposed on ships passing through the Suez Canal. Vessels using the canal are required to pay charges calculated based on their weight, size, and cargo, providing a key source of revenue for Egypt, which controls access to the waterway.

Introducing such fees could serve as a negotiating tool in potential peace talks with Iran, encouraging the Islamic Republic to effectively relinquish control over the strait.

Technically, the Strait of Hormuz does not belong to any single country and runs through the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. However, the vital maritime route—through which roughly one-fifth of global oil exports pass—remains a significant lever of influence for Iran.

By Jeyhun Aghazada