New initiative for agreement on Hormuz, will separate sea routes open for Iran and America?

Amidst the ongoing tension between America and Iran, a new diplomatic initiative has now emerged, which has attracted the attention of the entire world. According to American media reports, Oman and Qatar, playing the role of mediator between the two countries, have come up with a proposal to reduce the military conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. In this proposal, it has been suggested that both the sea lanes of the Strait of Hormuz should be operated under separate security arrangements.

That is, the southern route through Oman’s waters should be kept safe from Iranian attacks, while America should not impose any kind of blockade or military intervention on the northern route through Iran’s waters. Its purpose is that commercial ships can pass through this route without any danger and the world’s oil supply remains normal. At present this is just a proposal, on which the final consent of America and Iran is yet to be received.

tension is at its peak

This initiative has come at a time when tension between America and Iran is at its peak. In the last few days, military action between the two countries has intensified and concern regarding the Strait of Hormuz has also increased. There is concern around the world that if the conflict on this sea route increases or it is closed, then the oil supply will be affected first. Its impact can range from prices of petrol and diesel to global trade and inflation.

Major points of this proposal-

• Suggestion of using two different sea routes.
• Oman and Qatar are playing the role of mediator between the two countries.
• The objective is that commercial ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without danger.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic sea lanes in the world. About one-fifth of the world’s seaborne crude oil trade passes through this route. Therefore, whenever tension increases in this region, its impact is first visible on oil prices, maritime trade, insurance costs and the global economy. In such a situation, this initiative of Oman and Qatar is not only being considered as an attempt to reach an agreement between two countries, but also an attempt to save the entire world economy from a major crisis. Therefore, the eyes of the whole world are fixed on this proposal.

What is said in the new proposal?

The proposal by Oman and Qatar tries to find a middle path between the US-Iran dispute. Under this, Iran will not take any kind of military action in the Southern Sea Route, which falls in the maritime zone of Oman. On the other hand, America will maintain distance from its military blockade or intervention on the northern route, which is connected to Iran’s maritime zone. In simple words, both the countries have been suggested to remain limited to their respective areas of influence, so that commercial ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without any fear.

Will this plan be successful?

At present the answer to this question is not easy. This proposal is still in the initial stage and to implement it, the consent of both America and Iran will be necessary. The biggest challenge is the lack of trust between the two countries. For the last several years, both have been accusing each other of breaking agreements and increasing tension. In such a situation, if any new military incident occurs, this entire initiative may be affected. Although Oman has already played an important role in talks between America and Iran, hence this time also positive expectations are being expressed from it.

Why is there dispute between America and Iran?

Iran has long said that if its oil exports were banned or there was a major attack on it, it could stop the movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. On the other hand, America keeps its warships and naval forces deployed to keep this sea route open. After the recent military tension, the risk of conflict between the two countries has increased further. This is the reason why the world fears that this dispute may reach the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks between America and Iran have been going on for several days. America is continuously bombing Iranian targets, while Iran is also retaliating against American targets and interests.

What effect will this have on India?

India fulfills a major part of its requirement through import of crude oil and a large part of it comes from Gulf countries. This oil reaches India only through the Strait of Hormuz. If the tension on this sea route reduces and the movement of ships remains normal, then the oil supply to India will be secure. This may also reduce the possibility of sudden increase in oil prices. But if there is no agreement and the conflict escalates, it may impact India’s import bill, petrol-diesel prices and inflation.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz special?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route connecting the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. Most of the crude oil and gas from big oil producing countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar reaches different countries of the world through this route. About 20 percent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through this route. Countries like India, China, Japan and South Korea are also largely dependent on this route for their energy needs. This is the reason why the Strait of Hormuz is also called the energy lifeline of the world.