Iran and Oman are nearing a deal to fully restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries expected to collect what has been described as a “service fee” aimed at covering environmental and security-related costs.
The New York Times reported late Monday, citing Iranian and US officials briefed on the emerging arrangement, that vessels entering the strait from the Indian Ocean through the Gulf of Oman would be directed through Iranian territorial waters. Ships leaving the Persian Gulf, meanwhile, would follow a route close to Oman’s coastline on the southern side of the waterway.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that discussions with Oman are underway, describing the proposal as a “temporary” shipping route through the strategic passage, which in peacetime carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil.
Saeed Ajorlu, a member of Tehran’s negotiating team, told state broadcaster IRIB that the arrangement could remain in place for one to three months in an area “where Iran is dominant.”
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“We assert that the legal regime for passage through the Strait of Hormuz must not return to its pre-war state,” Ajorlu said, referring to the previous arrangement under which no single state controlled the waterway.
A US official, however, disputed Iran’s account in comments to the Times, calling Tehran’s description of the potential deal “not accurate” and saying no tolls would be imposed. The official also said Iran would not have authority to decide which ships pass through the strait or what routes they must take.
