Iran and Oman near deal to reopen Hormuz strait

Iran and Oman are finalizing an agreement to restore commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, The New York Times reported Monday, citing Iranian and US officials familiar with the negotiations.

Proposed shipping lanes

Under the terms under discussion, vessels entering the Gulf would traverse a channel controlled by Iran and running close to its coastline, while outbound traffic would utilize a separate lane near Oman, the report said. Iranian officials told the newspaper that no tolls would be charged, but said the arrangement includes a "service fee" to cover environmental impacts, security costs for cargo ships and tankers, and staffing expenses.

US disputes account

A US official rejected Tehran's characterization as "not accurate," insisting that any "temporary" shipping routes through the strait would not require Iranian approval — and would not involve tolls. Some senior Pentagon officials have expressed skepticism about the proposed arrangement, warning that it could amount to an unacceptable concession to Iran.

The New York Times also reported that some Iranian officials have privately questioned whether the agreement would function as intended to prevent another round of US attacks. Washington and Tehran have traded hostilities in recent months, disrupting commercial traffic through the vital waterway.