Iran could gain partial control of Hormuz under proposed deal, Reuters reports
Illustrative photo: Strait of Hormuz could come under partial Iranian control (Getty Images)
Iran could gain partial control over the Strait of Hormuz under a proposed agreement with the United States, a possibility that is currently being actively discussed, Reuters reports.
Iran to gain control over inbound Hormuz traffic
A proposed agreement between Iran and Oman would give Tehran control over vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported on August 5 that the concession was confirmed by:
- A senior Iranian source,
- And two regional officials.
However, the sources rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that a deal to restore shipping through the strait was imminent, saying key details still need to be agreed.
"The concession has already been made regarding some form of control over Hormuz," one regional source told Reuters.
According to a senior Iranian official, Tehran had sought to impose fees ranging from 5% to 7% of cargo value on vessels transiting the strait. Oman has discussed lower fees of around 3%.
Another source said Gulf negotiators are pushing for ships to be inspected by regional countries and for any payments for passage through Hormuz to remain voluntary.
Status of the peace deal
A senior Iranian source said the current draft agreement would give Iran oversight of vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. However, no agreement has been reached regarding Iran's role in relation to vessels traveling in the opposite direction.
US officials, meanwhile, have repeatedly insisted they would never accept any arrangement granting Iran control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Although there are no direct talks between Tehran and Washington, Iran has been negotiating with Oman, which controls the opposite shore of the strait. Last week, Iran rejected an earlier Omani proposal, saying it offered too little.
Oil prices
Oil prices rose on August 5 after Yemen's Houthi movement claimed it had attacked a Saudi-flagged tanker in the Red Sea.
Global crude prices remain near their lowest levels since early July. They have fallen sharply over the past two days after President Donald Trump called off new attacks on Iran.
Making any transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz voluntary could provide a way out of the current deadlock. However, Reuters notes that the implicit threat of Iranian attacks means shippers would be unlikely to risk passing through the waterway without paying.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that the United States and Iran were one step away from reaching a peace agreement if they could settle the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz. The claim was made by Scott Bessent.
In addition, on July 29, the United States imposed sanctions on two Iranian companies and eight oil tankers.
