Middle East Crisis Strait of Hormuz

Iran: Agreed with Oman – if “some” stay out

Iran and Oman have agreed on a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said, according to AFP.

The countries are now finalizing the details of an agreement.

According to the ministry, a joint statement from the two countries is expected if “some third parties” refrain from interfering.

The countries are to agree on an approved route for commercial ships. However, the agreement does not in itself mean that the strait is safe, Iran emphasizes.

Sources: Agreement gives Iran control over ships in Hormuz

The upcoming agreement between Iran and Oman will give Iran control over ships sailing into the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, sources told Reuters.

According to a senior Iranian source, Iran wants to charge fees of between 5 and 7 percent of the cargo for all ships passing through the strait. Oman is discussing fees of around 3 percent.

Iran and Oman have been negotiating in recent days, and according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the agreement is being finalized. Earlier on Wednesday, Iran said the two countries had agreed on an approved route through the strait for commercial ships.

The United States has not commented on the reports. However, Washington has repeatedly stated that the United States will never accept Iran controlling the strait.