America’s Gulf ally goes rogue: Iran’s silent partner co-managing Hormuz

Oman, a key ally of the U.S. in the Gulf, is now collaborating with Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. This shift signifies a departure from Muscat's traditional balancing act between Western interests and Iran's influence. On July 11, Oman proposed a plan to split Hormuz traffic into two toll-free, separately controlled routes, one along Iran's coast and one nearer Oman's shore. This move has significant implications, potentially destabilizing the region's delicate geopolitical balance and raising concerns about increased Iranian leverage over a vital maritime chokepoint.