A London-based research group has put forth a novel proposal for managing the critical Strait of Hormuz: a shared control pact among Gulf states, drawing inspiration from a now-defunct European agreement on coal and steel.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, has long been a focal point of geopolitical tension. This new proposal aims to de-escalate potential conflicts by fostering cooperation rather than competition among the nations bordering its waters.

According to the research group's findings, the proposed coalition would function similarly to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), established in the aftermath of World War II. The ECSC pooled essential resources under supranational authority, effectively making war between historic rivals France and Germany "unthinkable." The proponents suggest a similar pooling of sovereignty and resources related to the Strait's maritime traffic and security.

This approach could offer a framework for shared governance, ensuring unimpeded passage for all nations while providing collective security and economic benefits. It moves away from unilateral control or the dominance of any single regional power, potentially stabilizing maritime trade routes.

Historically, the ECSC was a foundational step towards the European Union, demonstrating how deep economic integration could lead to lasting peace. Applying this model to the Strait of Hormuz implies a significant shift in regional diplomacy, requiring a high degree of trust and commitment from participating nations.

Supporters of the idea believe that by creating a shared stake in the Strait's operations, individual states would have a vested interest in its stability and security. This could reduce the likelihood of unilateral actions or threats that could disrupt global energy markets.

However, the proposal faces considerable hurdles. The geopolitical landscape of the Gulf is vastly different from post-war Europe, and achieving consensus among countries with diverse political systems and competing interests will be a monumental challenge. The success of such a pact would hinge on robust mechanisms for dispute resolution and equitable benefit sharing.

Further details on the specific governance structure, membership criteria, and dispute resolution mechanisms for this proposed Gulf pact remain to be elaborated, leaving key questions about its practical implementation.