GCC Secretary-General Rejects Strait of Hormuz Toll, Denies $300bn Iran Reconstruction Claim
GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi rejected any proposal for a Strait of Hormuz toll and denied knowledge of a $300 billion Iran reconstruction fund, saying concerns remain over regional security and nuclear transparency.
The Gulf Cooperation Council’s secretary-general made clear on Friday that the GCC does not accept imposing fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that member states — including Oman — oppose such measures.
He also addressed reports linking a $300 billion reconstruction package to Iran following a recent memorandum, saying the Council has no official or informal record of that figure.
GCC Secretary-General’s Statement
Jassim Al-Budaiwi spoke to Sky News Arabia, delivering the Council’s formal position on the proposal for a toll through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the idea was neither raised with the GCC nor discussed with Washington, undercutting reports that such a plan had regional consensus.
Al-Budaiwi framed the rejection as unanimous among Council members, noting Oman’s clear opposition to any fee on passage through the strategic waterway.
The secretary-general characterized the proposal as inconsistent with Gulf states’ commitment to freedom of navigation and regional stability.
Oman’s Opposition to Passage Fees
Al-Budaiwi specifically cited Oman as not consenting to a toll, reflecting Muscat’s historic emphasis on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to international trade.
Oman’s geographic location and its longstanding role as a mediator in regional disputes underpin its resistance to measures that could complicate maritime traffic.
The statement implies that unilateral or multilateral attempts to impose charges would face diplomatic obstacles within the GCC framework.
Maritime operators and regional trade partners would likely view any fee as a destabilizing precedent for commercial shipping in the Gulf.
Claims About a $300 Billion Iran Reconstruction Fund
Responding to media reports that Iran could receive $300 billion for reconstruction under a recent memorandum, Al-Budaiwi said the GCC has no information validating that figure.
He emphasized that the sum had not been raised with the Council, either officially or informally, and that it was not part of discussions with US interlocutors who have recently travelled to the Gulf.
The secretary-general’s remarks underscore a lack of transparency around the reported package and signal the need for clear, verifiable information on any large-scale economic commitments to Iran.
Gulf capitals have shown heightened sensitivity to agreements that could shift regional balances of economic or political influence.
Nuclear Oversight and Uranium Transparency
Al-Budaiwi said the Gulf states are willing to accept assurances from Tehran regarding its nuclear intentions, but they insist on independent verification.
He called for robust monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency and for Iran to provide clarity on its uranium stockpile and related activities.
Those comments reflect continuing Gulf concerns about proliferation risks and the necessity of transparent inspections to build regional confidence.
Requests for enhanced IAEA access have been a central element of Gulf diplomacy on nuclear issues and remain a prerequisite for deeper engagement.
Evidence Linking Recent Attacks to Iraq
The secretary-general told Sky News Arabia that the Council possesses “evidence, coordinates and images” suggesting recent attacks on Gulf states originated from Iraqi territory.
Al-Budaiwi did not disclose operational details in his remarks, but he indicated that the GCC has collected intelligence pointing to cross-border activity affecting Gulf security.
If substantiated, such findings would intensify calls for countermeasures and closer coordination with Iraqi authorities to prevent further incidents.
The remarks add urgency to diplomatic efforts aimed at stemming transnational attacks and protecting critical infrastructure in the Gulf.
Oman’s Evacuation Plan for Stranded Seafarers
Al-Budaiwi welcomed Oman’s plan to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers who remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a necessary humanitarian response.
The evacuation effort addresses a growing logistical and welfare challenge for mariners affected by disruptions in the waterway.
Coordinated assistance and safe passage for crew members are likely to become priorities for regional authorities and shipping companies alike.
Humanitarian measures of this kind also help to de-escalate tensions by focusing on the immediate needs of civilians caught in geopolitical disputes.
The secretary-general’s comments highlight the GCC’s focus on preserving freedom of navigation and addressing security risks without escalating military confrontation.
By rejecting a Strait of Hormuz toll and calling for transparency on nuclear and reconstruction matters, the Council aims to balance deterrence, diplomacy and humanitarian concerns while seeking to stabilize maritime commerce in the region.