Iran and Oman are reportedly in the final stage of effectively completing a 60-day provisional draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 5th, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources, that Iran and Oman have agreed on key points of a draft agreement that would establish an inbound route near Iran and an outbound route near Oman, and have conveyed it to the United States, Iran, and regional countries.
Esmaeil Baghaei, Spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, also said that day, "Agreement has been reached on the geographic coordinates of the proposed routes," and "The joint statement by the two countries is currently in the final review and wrap-up stage."
According to the draft agreement obtained by the WSJ, vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz will use the Iranian-side route in consultation with Iranian authorities, while vessels exiting the strait will use the route in Omani waters in consultation with Omani authorities.
Iran would have control over vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, but it is specified that tolls or service fees cannot be imposed.
However, fees remain a key sticking point. According to Reuters, a senior Iranian official said Iran is demanding fees amounting to 5%–7% of cargo value. Oman is discussing fees of about 3%, while the United States opposes imposing fees at all.
The official explained that while the current negotiation plan includes Iran having control over vessels entering the Persian Gulf, what role Iran would play for vessels exiting the strait remains a major issue.
Foreign media forecast that, given the continuing differences among stakeholders over fees, there is a possibility that negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz may not reach a final agreement.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, also said, "The agreement with Oman does not mean a full opening of the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "There are specific conditions that must be met to open the Strait of Hormuz, and related agreements must be made solely between Iran and Oman."