🔶 Iran and Oman on the verge of a “deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz”

The New York Times reported on Monday, August 3 (12 Mordad), citing Iranian and American officials, that Iran and Oman are on the verge of reaching an agreement to reopen ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. But, according to the American newspaper, if this agreement is implemented, it could come at a heavy price and lead to the consolidation of Tehran’s control over the waterway, which before the war had been considered an international and open passage.

According to this report, based on explanations by officials familiar with how the agreement is taking shape, ships entering the Persian Gulf will transit through a route that is under Iranian control and near the coasts of this country. Ships leaving the Persian Gulf will also take a route near Oman.

Citing Iranian officials, the New York Times says that although no transit fees will be charged for the ships, the agreement includes a “service cost” to cover the environmental consequences of shipping, ensuring the security of cargo ships and oil tankers, as well as the cost of manpower. According to two Iranian officials, revenue from these costs will be divided equally between the Islamic Republic and Oman.

However, an American official familiar with the talks, on Monday, said that Iran’s account is “not accurate” and stressed that any “temporary” route created in the strait would “not require approval or a permit from Iran, and there would be no fees either.”