US Nears Temporary Deal With Iran To Reopen Strait Of Hormuz Without Tolls
The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly closing in on a temporary agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without allowing Tehran to charge tolls, potentially delivering a major breakthrough after weeks of disrupted commercial shipping and escalating military tensions.
Under the proposed arrangement, Iran and Oman would establish a 60-day temporary system for commercial vessels traveling through the strategic waterway. Ships entering the Persian Gulf would use a northern lane running through Iranian waters, while outgoing vessels would travel through a southern lane running through Omani waters. The agreement could be extended if necessary.
Most significantly for the Trump administration, ships would not be required to pay tolls or service fees during the temporary arrangement. Iran had previously pushed for fees connected to security and environmental services, but American officials rejected the proposal and insisted that the Strait of Hormuz remain an international waterway with freedom of navigation.
The proposed agreement would also begin addressing the dangerous naval mines that have complicated shipping through the region. Iran and Oman would begin removing mines from the strait’s central shipping lane within 30 days. Once that work is completed, the goal would be to reopen the center lane to both inbound and outbound commercial traffic under a more permanent agreement.
The negotiations represent a potential victory for President Trump, who has repeatedly demanded that Iran reopen the Strait without imposing tolls on international commerce. Trump recently called off a major planned American military strike against Iran to give diplomacy another opportunity, while warning Tehran that it was receiving its final chance to reach an acceptable agreement.
The administration has made reopening the Strait the immediate priority in its negotiations with Iran. President Trump has said the next phase would focus on Iran’s nuclear program, with the administration maintaining that Tehran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Iran continues to publicly deny negotiating directly with Washington, insisting that its discussions over the Strait are taking place with Oman.
The agreement remains fragile. American and regional officials believed they were close to a similar understanding several weeks ago before renewed Iranian attacks on commercial vessels helped trigger another round of fighting. Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also participated in mediation efforts aimed at preventing another escalation.
A reopening of the Strait would have major consequences far beyond the Middle East. About one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas normally moves through the waterway, and the disruption has contributed to higher energy prices and instability in global markets. A successful 60-day agreement without tolls could restore commercial traffic while giving President Trump additional time to pursue the broader goal of a lasting peace agreement with Iran.