U.S. and Iranian Officials Say Iran Nearing Deal With Oman on Strait of Hormuz Access

August 4th. On August 3rd, according to US sources citing officials from Iran and the US, Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching an agreement regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

US sources indicate that, according to the agreed terms, ships entering the Persian Gulf will travel through a waterway near the Iranian coast controlled by Iran, while exiting ships will take a route near Oman. Multiple Iranian officials have stated that passing ships will be required to pay a "service fee," with the revenue being split between Iran and Oman.

However, a US official familiar with the negotiations stated that the Iranian officials' description was "inaccurate" and that the establishment of any "temporary" shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz does not require Iranian approval, and no fees will be charged to passing ships.