Iran and Oman are discussing a deal that would give Tehran authority over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior Iranian source and two regional officials who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday.
The proposal is part of efforts to end five months of war between Iran and the United States. It marks one of the biggest concessions yet to Iran on the world’s most important energy trade route.
Under the plan discussed, inbound journeys would pass through Iranian waters. Outbound traffic is still being negotiated.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told IRNA the arrangement is “designed in such a way that commercial ships will pass through Iranian territorial waters, both on the inbound and outbound legs,” adding that talks with Oman had “reached fundamental understandings” and were “on the verge of being finalised.”
Fee levels remain a sticking point.
The senior Iranian source said Tehran is seeking charges of 5% to 7% of cargo value.
Oman is proposing about 3%. Washington wants no fees. ALSO READ: Pakistan urges US, Iran to resume talks
Gulf negotiators are also pushing for regional countries to supervise ship inspections and for any payments to be voluntary.
There was no immediate U.S. comment. President Donald Trump has said a deal to reopen the strait is imminent, but U.S. officials have repeatedly said they would not accept Iranian control.
The talks come as Iran warned Gulf states that any new U.S. attack on its territory would trigger retaliation against regional energy infrastructure, according to five sources.
Before the war, the strait was freely open to all ships with no fees.
