DistantNews
Support us
Strait of Hormuz fees a sticking point for US-Iran de-escalation deal
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Conflict & Security

Strait of Hormuz fees a sticking point for US-Iran de-escalation deal

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington's opposition to Iran imposing transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, a key point of contention in ongoing negotiations.
  • The International Maritime Organization announced a plan to evacuate approximately 11,000 sailors from the Gulf, signaling a potential de-escalation of the conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli bombings on February 28.
  • A preliminary agreement, a "memorandum of understanding," was signed last week aiming to end the war, which includes the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global oil and gas transport.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has once again voiced Washington's strong opposition to Iran's potential imposition of transit fees within the Strait of Hormuz. This issue remains a significant obstacle in the ongoing negotiations between the two nations, alongside Iran's nuclear program and the terms for releasing frozen Iranian assets.

Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), operating under the UN, has unveiled a plan to evacuate around 11,000 sailors currently stranded in the Gulf. This development is seen as an indicator that the process of resolving the conflict, which erupted on February 28 following U.S.-Israeli bombings in Iran, may be underway. The bombings reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily in Iran and Lebanon.

Washington will not tolerate the imposition of fees on this 'international' maritime route.

โ€” Marco RubioStating the U.S. position on transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.

Last week, Tehran and Washington signed a preliminary "memorandum of understanding" aimed at ending the war. A key provision of this agreement is the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Iran's previous closure of the strait had sent significant shockwaves through the global economy, causing oil prices to skyrocket.

Mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, both sides are striving to reach a definitive agreement within 60 days, with an option for extension. However, substantial disagreements persist, particularly concerning the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi for a tour of Gulf countries, Rubio emphasized that Washington would not tolerate the imposition of fees on this "international" maritime route. Concurrently, the head of Iran's negotiation team, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, traveled to Oman for discussions on the strait's management.

If we didn't have the missiles we possess for our defense, Israel and the U.S. would have flattened Iran, like Gaza.

โ€” Masoud PezeshkianJustifying Iran's missile program as a defensive measure.

In a joint statement, Oman and Iran highlighted their intention to examine the "costs" associated with services related to the management of the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring their "national sovereignty over their territorial waters." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during his visit to Islamabad, stated that "if we didn't have the missiles we possess for our defense, Israel and the U.S. would have flattened Iran, like Gaza," ruling out any possibility of negotiating the country's arsenal.

The nuclear issue and U.S. reactions remain a point of contention. Tehran has clarified that it will not permit International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to visit facilities bombed by Israel and the U.S. This stance directly contradicts U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that Tehran had "fully and absolutely accepted" inspections "at the highest level." Doubts also linger regarding the fate of Iran's enriched uranium reserves, with Tehran insisting it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

Tehran has clarified that it will not permit International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to visit facilities bombed by Israel and the U.S.

โ€” Iranian President Masoud PezeshkianRegarding access for nuclear inspectors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog