On Monday, Iran’s state-backed Fars News Agency reported that an expert claimed the agreement between the United States and Iran introduces a significant recognition: the U.S. acknowledges Iran’s right to collect maritime service fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials noted a “clear emphasis on Iranian-Omani sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz” was included during the final negotiations of the deal.
These concluding changes to the agreement allegedly assert that Iran and Oman would be responsible for determining “future maritime control” in the Strait.
An official mentioned to Fars that this modification implies that the U.S. has accepted Iran’s right to impose fees for related services once the initial 60-day period of free passage through the strait has ended.
“This point is reiterated elsewhere in the document: Iran allows vessels to pass without charge for only 60 days. In a way, while the U.S. acknowledges the principle of tolling, it has managed a limited waiver from Iran,” the official remarked.
According to the Fars report, Iran is reportedly concocting a blend of “safety, navigation, environmental, and insurance services” as a basis to impose tolls on the many ships that routinely transit the Strait of Hormuz, and it has already garnered support from the Omani government for this initiative.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also indicated that Iran would implement a “maritime service fee” for ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, echoing similar sentiments from unnamed sources in Fars.
“We have always stated that our intention isn’t to levy transit fees, but rather, fees will be charged for navigation services, environmental protection, ship insurance, and other essential services,” he noted.
Moreover, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that Tehran has “decided firmly that the management of the strategic waterway will not revert to its pre-war conditions.” He added that Iran would impose “a fee for the services rendered to the vessel,” a service that was previously offered for free. A joint announcement regarding these fees between Iran and Oman is anticipated soon.
These remarks stand in stark contrast to President Donald Trump’s assertions. He claimed on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz would be “forever free” as part of the agreement with Iran.
Vice President JD Vance suggested that the Strait could reopen without tolls “in the long term,” though specifics remain to be finalized, as reported by CNBC on Monday.
“We hope the strait will stay free and open over time, and that will take shape in ongoing technical discussions,” Vance mentioned.
“There are many crucial aspects to work out, and we will sit down together to discuss them and find a path forward regarding these details,” he concluded.
