Tehran, Iran – Reuters, citing two Iranian sources, reported that Tehran is seeking permanent international recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
It also seeks to retain the right to charge transit fees to ships.
The agency indicated that this issue has become a priority in ongoing negotiations with the United States.
Iran clings to control of the strait
According to the sources, Iran believes the interim memorandum of understanding
with the United States allows it to retain the authority to determine
which ships are permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz and the routes they take.
However, Iran has agreed to allow ships to pass through for 60 days without imposing fees.
They added that the Iranian delegation will not be prepared to discuss other contentious issues
with Washington until the matter of formal and permanent recognition of Tehran’s control over the strait is resolved.
Transit fees after the agreement ends
The two sources indicated that if the temporary agreement expires without being extended,
Iran intends to begin imposing fees on ships transiting within the Strait of Hormuz, starting from late next August.
But until now, the value of these fees or the mechanism for calculating them has not been determined.
They also made clear that Tehran does not rule out the use of force to impose
its vision regarding the management of navigation in the strait
if circumstances require, according to what was reported by Reuters.
Dispute with Washington and Muscat
The Iranian position comes at a time when the United States confirms that the Strait of Hormuz is an international shipping lane that may not be closed or fees imposed on ships crossing it.
This is what US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed in previous statements.
On the other hand, attention is turning to the Sultanate of Oman.
It is expected that discussions will be held with Iran regarding regulating navigation in the strait.
This is amid reports indicating Muscat’s reservations about any arrangements related to imposing fees on ships.
While Tehran confirms that it may take over the management of this file alone if understandings are not reached with the Omani side.
