Iran claims US recognized its right to collect Strait of Hormuz tolls after 60-day grace period

The reported development introduces a significant contradiction to recent statements from Washington regarding the reopening of the world's most critical maritime chokepoint. While senior U.S. administration officials previously indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen without tolls as part of a framework deal, the Iranian account suggests a different reality on the ground.

Reported MOU Revisions

According to material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, the Iranian source claimed that the final version of the MOU replaced general terms with specific language regarding the "future management of maritime navigation services." This change is interpreted by Tehran as a formal acknowledgment of its sovereignty over the waterway alongside Oman.

Under the alleged arrangement, Iran would provide a suite of services including safety, navigation assistance, environmental protection, and insurance. While vessels would reportedly be allowed to pass free of charge for the first 60 days, Iran intends to collect fees thereafter to fund its domestic economic development.

Conflicting Narratives

This claim directly challenges the "no tolls" framework described by U.S. officials over the weekend. The Zioneer has previously reported on Iran's attempts to institutionalize transit fees, with some reports suggesting charges as high as $2 million per vessel. The inclusion of Oman as a joint manager of these services aligns with prior statements from Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, who has consistently argued that the strait should not be treated as international waters.

As of Monday afternoon, the U.S. State Department has not confirmed these specific revisions to the MOU. The situation remains developing as both nations move toward a formal signing, with the status of commercial shipping costs remaining a primary point of friction for global trade and regional security.