Iran and Oman Near Deal to Control Strait of Hormuz, Charging Fees for Passage

The New York Times reports that Iran and Oman are close to finalizing an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz for maritime traffic without U.S. involvement. Under the proposed deal, ships entering the Gulf would navigate via a northern route near Iran's coast, while those exiting would use a southern route near Oman. This arrangement would place control of the vital international waterway in the hands of Tehran and Muscat, marking a significant shift from its previous status as an open international passage.

The agreement is expected to include fees labeled as "service charges" rather than tolls, intended to cover environmental impact and tanker security costs. These revenues would be split equally between Iran and Oman. Iranian sources deny plans to impose tolls, but a U.S. official disputes Iran's version, asserting that any new routes would not require Iranian approval or fees. Since the outbreak of conflict, Iran has insisted the Strait will no longer operate as a free international waterway.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the potential deal, warning it would set a dangerous precedent if a country could control an international waterway and charge fees under threat of attack. President Donald Trump stated the Strait could reopen imminently, linking this to ongoing nuclear disarmament talks with Iran. Trump also claimed that recent planned U.S. strikes on Iran were the largest since World War II but were called off out of mercy.

Trump acknowledged ongoing talks with Iran, describing them as Iran's "last chance" before severe consequences. He criticized Iranian leadership for contradictory statements about negotiations and emphasized that the U.S. blockade effectively controls all Iranian maritime traffic. Meanwhile, Iranian officials maintain a firm stance; a parliament security committee member asserted Iran's defensive capabilities are stronger than before and denied any intention to expand the conflict. President Masoud Pezeshkian conveyed a more conciliatory message, stating Iran defends its borders but does not seek to escalate the war.

The situation remains tense and uncertain, with the potential new arrangement at the Strait of Hormuz representing a major geopolitical shift in the region's maritime control and U.S.-Iran relations.