Iran Seeks Greater Control in Vital Shipping Lane
A proposed agreement between Iran and Oman, intended to resolve the five-month conflict between Iran and the United States, could grant Tehran unprecedented control over ships entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. This potential arrangement would mark a substantial deviation from the pre-war status quo, where the strait operated as an open waterway without transit fees.
According to a Reuters report, citing senior Iranian and regional sources, the United States has yet to formally comment on the proposal. While President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about an imminent deal to reopen the strait, US officials have privately indicated they would not consent to Iran controlling access to this crucial global energy trade route. Several key issues remain unresolved, sources added.
Disputed Fees and Unresolved Issues
A major sticking point in the ongoing negotiations revolves around transit fees. Iranian officials are reportedly seeking fees ranging from 5% to 7% of the cargo's value for ships utilizing the strait. Oman, however, is discussing a lower rate of approximately 3%, while Washington insists on no fees at all.
The draft agreement currently envisions Iran managing inbound traffic into the Gulf. However, Iran's role concerning ships traveling in the opposite direction (outbound) remains a significant point of contention. Gulf negotiators are pushing for regional countries to oversee ship inspections, with any payment of fees remaining voluntary.
Bilateral Talks and Geographic Understanding
Iran and Oman have been engaged in bilateral discussions regarding the strait, a waterway they jointly oversee through its northern and southern channels. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, indicated significant progress, with both inbound and outbound journeys potentially passing through Iranian waters. He stated that an understanding on the geographic coordinates for a shipping route had been reached, with a joint announcement awaiting finalization, provided there is no third-party interference.
Baghaei described the negotiations as "professional" and emphasized the mutual understanding on the route's geographical parameters. He cautioned, however, that an agreement between Iran and Oman alone would not guarantee security in the strategic waterway.
Geopolitical Tensions Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The negotiations unfold against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions. Iran has issued stark warnings to Gulf states, stating that any new US attack on its territory would trigger retaliation against critical energy infrastructure across the region. Tehran has reportedly been targeting Washington's regional allies with missiles and drones, alongside commercial vessels transiting the strait without its permission.
Speaking at a rally, President Trump reiterated his preference for diplomacy, stating, "I'd rather make a deal because I don't want to kill people." This comes as Trump faces pressure to de-escalate the conflict ahead of upcoming elections. Months of US military operations have failed to break Iran's effective control over the strait, with reports indicating the US Army is facing shortages of long-range precision missiles.
Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has reported over 3,400 fatalities, while the United States has confirmed 18 military personnel deaths.