Not UAE Or Saudi, Why This Gulf Country Is The ‘Silent Winner’ In Iran’s Ceasefire & Hormuz Proposal

Last Updated:April 08, 2026, 16:59 IST

How Oman stands to gain from Iran's 10-point proposal to US which covers Strait of Hormuz, News18 explains

Iran, the United States and Israel said they had reached a deal for a two-week ceasefire, with Tehran saying it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday. However, there is one Gulf country which will benefit the most from Iran’s 10-point plan, which US President Donald Trump first called “workable" and later fraudulent.

How Oman stands to gain? News18 explains.

What is Iran’s 10-point proposal?

1. Cessation of Hostilities: An immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.
2. Strait of Hormuz Control: Continued Iranian oversight and “coordinated passage" through the strategic waterway, managed by Iran’s armed forces.
3. Sanctions Relief: The lifting of all primary and secondary economic sanctions on Iran.
4. Nuclear Program Recognition: Acceptance of Iran’s right to domestic uranium enrichment under agreed conditions.
5. US Military Withdrawal: The complete withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the Middle East.
6. War Reparations: Full payment of compensation to Iran for reconstruction costs and damages suffered during the conflict.
7. Unfreezing of Assets: The release of all Iranian funds and frozen assets held by the United States and other international bodies.
8. Termination of International Resolutions: The rescinding of all UN Security Council and IAEA Board of Governors resolutions against Iran.
9. Transit Fee Provision: A mechanism for Iran and Oman to levy transit fees (reported at approximately $2 million per ship) to fund national reconstruction.
10. Binding UN Resolution: The final agreement must be formalised into a binding UN Security Council resolution to ensure its implementation under international law, according to the Guardian and other reports.

What is the current status? What are the challenges?

A two-week provisional ceasefire is currently in effect to allow for in-person negotiations, likely to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Mediators from Pakistan state the truce covers all fronts, including Lebanon, but Israel’s office has stated that operations against Hezbollah are not part of the agreement.

Global oil prices plummeted over 13% following the news of the conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

How will Oman gain?

Oman is the Gulf country that stands to gain the most from Iran’s 10-point ceasefire plan.

Iran’s proposal includes a provision that for the first time allows both Tehran and Muscat to levy transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This 34-kilometre waterway, which facilitates approximately one-fifth of global oil trade, has historically been treated as an international waterway where no tolls were levied.

Direct Revenue Generation: Oman will reportedly be permitted to collect transit fees alongside Iran for vessels transiting the strait.

New Regulatory Authority: The plan outlines a protocol where ships must obtain permits and licenses from both Tehran and Muscat, effectively granting Oman a central regulatory role in one of the world’s most vital maritime choke points.

Strategic Elevation: While other Gulf nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia remain strategically exposed due to their alignment during the conflict, Oman has emerged as a “silent winner," leveraging its neutral position and territorial control of the strait to secure a permanent mechanism for governance and revenue.

What was global reaction to ceasefire?

The broader region saw immediate impacts from the ceasefire announcement:

UAE: Top officials claimed the country emerged “victorious" by avoiding further escalation, despite initial strategic exposure.

Stock markets in Dubai (up 4.2%) and Abu Dhabi (up 2.7%) surged on the news.

Global oil prices plunged over 13%, with Brent crude dropping to approximately $94.74 per barrel as the prospect of a reopened Strait of Hormuz eased supply risks.

KEY FAQs

Why is Oman seen as a silent winner in Iran’s ceasefire talks?

Because Iran’s peace plan includes jointly levying transit fees with Oman on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, giving Muscat a strategic economic role if implemented.

How does the Strait of Hormuz factor into why Oman benefits?

The strait, shared by Iran and Oman, is a critical global oil route—being part of managing it boosts Oman’s geopolitical influence.

What else strengthens Oman’s position?

Oman has traditionally acted as a neutral intermediary between Iran and the U.S., maintaining diplomatic ties with both sides during the ceasefire process.

With agency inputs

News explainers Not UAE Or Saudi, Why This Gulf Country Is The ‘Silent Winner’ In Iran’s Ceasefire & Hormuz Proposal

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