Negotiations Advance on Deal to Reopen Hormuz, Acknowledging Iranian Oversight
U.S. and regional officials are discussing a temporary arrangement that would grant Iran limited control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States insists on unrestricted navigation.
Talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Oman, are moving toward a provisional agreement that would recognize Tehran's authority over inbound vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed arrangement would allow Iran to oversee ships entering the waterway and to levy a fee of 5%-7% on cargoes, while Oman has suggested a lower charge of about 3% for its own role.
Both sides still need to resolve how Iran's control would extend to outbound traffic and whether U.S. or Israeli vessels would be barred. Iranian officials have indicated that any reopening would exclude those ships, and they have warned that further U.S. attacks could trigger retaliation against regional energy infrastructure.
The United States maintains that navigation must remain completely free of approvals, permissions, or tolls. > "Any temporary routes will be without any impediments — meaning no approvals or permissions and no tolls or charges," a U.S. official told the Washington Post.
Oman’s foreign ministry and Iran’s UN ambassador have not commented on the details. Analysts note that while the deal would be temporary, it could provide a framework for a longer-term cease-fire and give Gulf states time to expand pipeline capacity to bypass the strait.