International
oi-Ashish Rana
The agreement that brought an end to nearly four months of conflict between the United States and Iran reportedly includes a significant provision related to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. According to reports citing a source familiar with the negotiations, the final version of the understanding strengthens Iran and Oman’s authority over the management of maritime services in the strategic waterway and could effectively allow Tehran to collect transit-related service fees.
A reported US-Iran agreement ending recent conflict reportedly grants Iran and Oman strengthened authority over Strait of Hormuz maritime services, potentially allowing Tehran to collect transit fees ahead of nuclear and sanctions negotiations.
The development comes as Washington and Tehran move towards detailed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and the easing of sanctions following months of military confrontation across the Middle East.
Final Negotiations Brought Key Changes To Deal Text
According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, important revisions were introduced during the final stage of negotiations. These changes reportedly expanded language concerning Iranian and Omani authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
A source quoted by the agency said, “In the final moments of the negotiations, the text of the memorandum underwent changes that definitively and explicitly emphasized the exercise of Iran-Oman sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.”
The source added that earlier drafts already contained provisions aimed at recognising Iran’s role and existing arrangements in the waterway. However, the final version reportedly goes further by explicitly assigning future decisions regarding maritime services to Iran and Oman.
Dispute Over ‘Toll-Free’ Hormuz Claim
The reported details appear to contrast with remarks made by US President Donald Trump after the agreement was announced. Trump stated on social media that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and operate “toll free.”
However, the source cited by Iranian media argued that the wording of the agreement effectively acknowledges Tehran’s right to impose and collect fees connected to maritime services in the strait.
While the complete text of the understanding has not been officially released, Iranian media outlets have published what they claim are portions of the 14-point agreement.
Future Maritime Services To Be Decided By Iran And Oman
One of the most notable changes in the final draft concerns the future administration of maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the source, the agreement now states that the “future administration of maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz” will be determined jointly by Iran and Oman.
The revised language is said to explicitly recognise the role of Tehran and Muscat in shaping how shipping-related services and operational arrangements will be managed in the future.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically significant waterways in the world, serving as a critical route for global energy exports.
Deal Opens Door To Nuclear And Sanctions Talks
The US-Iran understanding marks a major diplomatic breakthrough after nearly four months of hostilities. The agreement is expected to pave the way for comprehensive negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear programme as well as potential sanctions relief.
Before the deal was announced, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said details of the agreement would only be made public after its formal signing. As a result, many provisions remain unconfirmed by either side, with reports largely based on information released through Iranian media sources.
If implemented as described, the agreement could reshape both the diplomatic relationship between Washington and Tehran and the future governance of one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
