Iran Says Oman Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz Are Constructive, Fee Plan Intact

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said talks with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz are progressing constructively and that Tehran still plans to charge service fees to ships transiting the waterway.

IRNA and other Iranian media on August 10 cited Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei as saying at a briefing that Tehran and Muscat are not yet discussing the details of transit charges. Still, he said ships should pay appropriate compensation when Iran provides services such as safe-passage monitoring and maritime support.

Baghaei said Iran and Oman have reached a basic agreement on establishing a new shipping route and are now working through technical issues for a joint statement.

The two countries are also reviewing a plan to merge existing routes into a median line, he said, adding that Iran has sufficient mine-clearing capability.

Iran is seeking transit fees of 5% to 7% of cargo value, while Oman is asking for about 3%, according to the report. The US opposes imposing any charges.

Baghaei said resolving what he described as military aggression and a maritime blockade by the US and Israel is a prerequisite for reopening the strait.

He dismissed foreign media reports about sweeping demands on Washington as media play. At the same time, he said compensation is needed for violations including the US maritime blockade.

There are currently no direct talks with the US, Baghaei said. All external negotiations are being conducted under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council.

Park Sang-kyung, Hankyung.com reporter highseoul@hankyung.com