Iran and Oman Near Agreement on Strait of Hormuz Maritime Traffic

Tehran: Iran and Oman are reportedly on the brink of finalizing an agreement to restore commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. According to TRTworld.com, which cited Iranian and US officials, the agreement aims to regulate the passage of vessels in this strategically important waterway. Under the terms of the potential deal, vessels entering the Gulf would navigate through a shipping channel controlled by Iran and situated close to its coastline, while outbound traffic would utilize a channel near Oman. Iranian officials revealed that no tolls would be charged; however, the agreement proposes a "service fee" to address environmental impacts, ensure the security of cargo ships and tankers, and cover staffing costs. The generated revenue would be equally divided between Iran and Oman. A US official countered the Iranian narrative, stating that the Iranian account was "not accurate." The official emphasized that any "temporary" shipping routes through the strait would not necessitate Irani an approval and would not involve tolls. The proposal has faced skepticism from some senior Pentagon officials, who are concerned it might be perceived as a concession to Iran. The New York Times also highlighted doubts among some Iranian officials regarding the agreement's effectiveness in preventing further US attacks. These reservations add complexity to the ongoing negotiations, as both nations seek to reach a mutually beneficial and operational accord.