Iran Says Oman Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz Progress, Keeps Plan for Transit Service Fees

Iran's Foreign Ministry said talks with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz are progressing constructively and that Tehran's plan to charge service fees to vessels using the waterway remains unchanged.

IRNA and other Iranian media reported on August 10 that Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told a briefing Iran and Oman are not yet discussing the details of transit charges. But he said compensation should be paid when services such as safe-passage monitoring and maritime support are provided.

Baghaei said Iran and Oman have reached a basic agreement on establishing new shipping routes and are discussing technical issues for a joint statement.

The two countries are reviewing a plan to merge existing routes along the median line. Baghaei added that Iran has sufficient mine-clearing capacity.

According to reported terms, Iran is seeking fees equal to 5% to 7% of cargo value, while Oman is asking for about 3%. The US opposes any such charges.

Baghaei said resolving what he described as military aggression by the US and Israel, as well as a maritime blockade, is a prerequisite for reopening the strait.

He dismissed foreign media reports of broad demands on the US as media play. At the same time, he said compensation is needed for violations including the US maritime blockade.

Baghaei also said there are currently no direct talks with the US and that all foreign negotiations are conducted under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council.

Park Sang-kyung, Hankyung.com reporter highseoul@hankyung.com