Image for representation purposes only Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf-backed proposal to jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz, including voluntary contributions from ships using the strategic waterway, in an effort to restore commercial shipping after months of disruption caused by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The proposal, confirmed by a Gulf source and a Western diplomat on Tuesday, is aimed at helping reopen one of the world’s most important energy routes. Before the conflict, about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making its security vital for global trade and energy supplies. Iran, Gulf states and the United States remain divided over how the Strait of Hormuz should be managed. Oman is trying to bridge those differences, but Washington opposes any transit fees. A U.S. official said on Tuesday the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway that should remain free from Iranian control or restrictions. The official added that any agreement being discussed does not include tolls or transit fees. The talks come after U.S. President Donald Trump said there were “good talks” with Iran, days after calling off a two-week U.S. bombing campaign. He warned that the United States would resume strikes if negotiations failed. Iran has denied seeking to resume talks with Washington but has said it would hold fire as long as the United States does the same. Despite that, military tensions continued across the region. U.S. Central Command said Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, adding that all of the missiles were intercepted. Saudi Arabia also said its air defences intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting oil facilities after they were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias, Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said. Drone attacks were also reported in Jordan, Saudi