Iran vies for expanded control over Strait of Hormuz in possible deal with Oman - report

Iran and Oman are reportedly close to an agreement that could significantly expand Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, according to US and Iranian officials speaking to The New York Times. The terms of the proposed agreement would largely benefit Iran, potentially giving it control over areas that were previously international waters.

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not accurate

Under the proposed deal, ships entering the Persian Gulf would navigate a channel controlled by Iran along its coast, while those departing would use an Omani channel. Iranian officials stated that while no tolls would be charged, a "service fee" would cover environmental and staffing costs, with revenue split equally between Iran and Oman. However, a US official familiar with the negotiations disputed this account, telling The New York Times that there would be no tolls and that any new routes would be temporary and not require Iran's permission.

Ali Vaez, deputy Middle East program director at the International Crisis Group, suggested that Iran views its leverage in the Strait of Hormuz as its primary achievement from the recent war. A deal with Oman could place Iran in a stronger position than before the conflict began. This situation unfolds amidst renewed US-Iran talks, with US President Donald Trump criticizing Iran's leadership for alleged duplicity regarding these negotiations.

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Iran sees leverage in the Strait of Hormuz as its only tangible achievement from the war. A deal with Oman has the potential to put Iran in a better place than it was before the current round of fighting

Trump claimed on Truth Social that Iran's leadership was "unbelievably duplicitous" and dishonest about the status of US-Iran negotiations. He asserted that nothing gets through to Iran unless the US wants it to, and that a deal or "total surrender" must be accomplished. Trump also disputed Iranian claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz, stating it is "already completely controlled by the United States Navy."

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Trump’s options are between an unwinnable war and an unpalatable peace

Conversely, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, denied ongoing talks with the US, stating no meetings are planned, despite Trump's claims. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry did confirm that discussions with Oman concerning the future of the Strait of Hormuz are taking place.

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unbelievably duplicitous