US Official Denies Agreement with Iran on Strait of Hormuz Transit Fees

A US official cited by Reuters has denied rumors of any agreement between Washington and Tehran involving the collection of transit fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the official, Iran presented demands considered "unreasonable" by both the United States and Oman, which acted as a mediator and also rejected the proposals. This clarification came shortly after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, amid ongoing efforts to stabilize shipping through this critical energy route.

The US official told Reuters that Iran is "exaggerating its demands," which have been opposed by Oman, the US, and the international community. Recently, Oman proposed a regional framework for managing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, modeled after the Malacca Strait system. Under this plan, ships could pay voluntary fees for navigation, safety, and rescue services, but no mandatory transit fees would be imposed.

In contrast, Iran has sought broader control over shipping lanes and pushed for mechanisms granting it significant influence over maritime traffic. These demands have faced resistance from Gulf states and the United States, complicating efforts to reach a consensus on the management of this vital maritime corridor.