Last-Minute Changes to US-Iran Deal Strengthen Iran and Oman in Strait of Hormuz

In the final moments of negotiations, the wording of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was changed in a way that explicitly strengthens the role of Iran and Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an informed source cited Monday by the Iranian news agency Fars. The final text emphasizes sovereignty over the strait and says the future management of maritime navigation services there will be decided by Iran and Oman.

The source said earlier drafts used broader language meant to secure Iranian sovereignty and arrangements in the waterway, but the final version specifically refers to "maritime services." In the source's view, that wording amounts to American recognition of Iran's right to charge ships passing through the strait.

According to the report, Iran will allow vessels to pass without payment for only 60 days. After that grace period, Tehran plans to start earning money from commercial shipping traffic in the strait by providing "safety, navigation, environmental protection and insurance" services.

The source said those revenues would be used to advance Iran's economic development. The report frames the outcome as one in which Washington accepted the principle of transit fees and secured only a temporary two-month exemption.