Trump Agrees to Controversial Iran Deal Allowing Fees in Strait of Hormuz

A report published by Axios revealed details of a controversial agreement reportedly accepted by Iran in indirect talks overnight, just before U.S. President Donald Trump retracted his consent. The deal would effectively grant Iran the right to collect transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, a move opposed by major powers who reject any tolls in the strategic waterway.

According to Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, the emerging framework, brokered by the U.S. and Qatari mediators, stipulates that ships entering the Gulf must pass through Iranian territorial waters, while exits would occur via Omani waters. This arrangement would allow Iran to de facto charge fees to vessels passing through the strait and potentially detain those refusing to pay.

Diplomatic sources indicated Oman agreed to the proposal but sought clarifications from Tehran on whether Iranian Revolutionary Guards also support the deal. Qatari mediators continue discussions to secure full Iranian backing. However, shortly after the report, Tehran sources denied any agreement, exposing internal regime disagreements. A source close to the Iranian negotiating team called the reports "false," asserting no deal exists regarding reopening the strait.

An Iranian military source emphasized a hardline stance, warning that as long as the U.S. pursues aggressive actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked except for approved routes under Revolutionary Guards' control. Earlier, Trump canceled a planned extensive military strike on Iran to allow diplomatic efforts, urging all parties to finalize an agreement swiftly. His decision followed a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who expressed concern over the strike plans, and signs of Iranian willingness to negotiate.

European countries including Britain and France have drawn a red line against any tolls in the strait, opposing the proposed fees. If implemented, the deal would mark a significant shift in control over this critical maritime passage, reflecting Trump's apparent intent to establish new facts on the ground.

Summary: President Trump reportedly agreed to a contentious deal granting Iran the right to collect fees in the Strait of Hormuz, though Tehran denies any agreement. The arrangement, brokered with Qatari mediation, faces opposition from European powers and internal Iranian disputes, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to avoid military conflict.

Points: - Trump agreed to a deal allowing Iran to charge fees in the Strait of Hormuz, per Axios report. - The deal requires ships to enter via Iranian waters and exit through Omani waters. - Iran could detain ships refusing to pay, seen as a major Iranian victory. - Tehran denies any agreement exists, revealing internal regime discord. - European countries oppose any tolls in the strait, marking a diplomatic red line. - Trump canceled planned military strikes to pursue a diplomatic solution.

Topic: security israel_relevant: false entities: {"people":["Donald Trump","Abbas Araghchi","Mohammed bin Salman"],"organizations":["U.S. government","Qatari mediators","Iranian Revolutionary Guards","Axios","British government","French government"],"places":["Strait of Hormuz","Iran","Oman","Saudi Arabia"]}