Iran and Oman draft Hormuz waterway deal as Trump rejects Iranian control and fees
Iran and Oman are negotiating an agreement to reopen shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but the US opposes any arrangement that would give Iran control or allow tolls.
Iran and the Gulf Arab state of Oman are advancing talks on a deal to reopen shipping through the disputed Strait of Hormuz and potentially help wind down the war in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the bilateral negotiations with Oman focus on establishing safe inbound and outbound shipping lanes that uphold sovereign rights while addressing the national security considerations of both countries. The final results will be announced once the talks conclude, according to remarks carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency.
The emerging agreement calls for ships to enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through an Omani-controlled route. Service fees would be charged for providing security and preserving the maritime environment, two regional officials told AP on condition of anonymity. They said negotiations are still underway and that the final agreement could take a different form.
However, any deal seems to depend on the US lifting its blockade on Iran's ports. The Trump administration has previously ruled out any deal that would give Iran control over the strait. Formalising Iran's control would mark a significant strategic victory for Tehran, so Washington could seek to block the agreement by refusing to lift the blockade.
The strait was an open international waterway before the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Washington aims to return to the status quo. A US official speaking on condition of anonymity said the United States remains committed to ensuring that no party controls the lanes or the ability to transit through them.
In an exchange with reporters on Monday, Trump reiterated his opposition to tolling in the strait. He said he would not allow anyone to charge fees, and that if anyone charges, the US will charge. In a statement on Wednesday, Trump again threatened Iran, saying the Strait of Hormuz will open very soon or Iran will be hit very hard.
