Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing an agreement to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic, according to reports. The proposed arrangement would see both nations collect a designated service fee to offset environmental and security costs. The development follows a series of reports today indicating progress in the talks.
According to a report circulating Tuesday evening, Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and collect a joint service fee for transit. The fee would cover environmental and security costs, according to the report. This development follows a series of reports on Tuesday detailing the emerging framework for managing the strategic waterway.
The Zioneer's coverage of the talks began Tuesday afternoon at 15:07 Jerusalem time with a New York Times report that Iran would control all incoming vessel traffic and collect maritime service fees. Shortly afterward, a senior Iranian source told an Arabic-language channel that Oman would notify Iran before any vessel exits the strait. An Iranian official then told Reuters that Tehran would accept no alternative to the joint plan. Another Reuters report quoted Iran as saying the temporary arrangement gives it full control over vessel entry. Finally, a Western source cited by Arab media reported that Oman, under international pressure, is considering the Iranian-led plan.
The negotiations have been ongoing for months. In June, Iran's foreign minister said talks with Oman would establish a framework for maritime services. As The Zioneer reported on July 1, the Times of India reported that the plan would charge commercial vessels a service fee, reversing centuries of free navigation. The United States has opposed any tolls, with a senior US official saying in June that the strait would reopen "with no tolls." However, the latest reports suggest a compromise involving fees is being considered.
It remains unclear whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has endorsed the emerging agreement. As The Zioneer reported on August 2, Oman conditioned its final approval on a formal IRGC commitment to the deal.
7 developments
- DevelopingU.S., Iran, and Oman advance in Hormuz talks, unconfirmed report says
- StrongTrump says Strait of Hormuz to reopen as early as Saturday or Monday
- StrongOmani mediators optimistic for Strait of Hormuz breakthrough in coming days, Bloomberg reports
- DevelopingReport: Iran drawing up plan for post-closure Strait of Hormuz reopening
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