Iran vies for expanded control over Strait of Hormuz in possible deal with Oman

Iran and Oman are close to reaching an agreement to reopen shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday. Under the proposed arrangement, Iran's achievement would be access to the strait through its Iranian side. During the interim period, work would begin to clear naval mines located in the middle of the strait, allowing the waterway to be fully reopened. Once the mines are cleared and the strait is reopened, renewed discussions would begin on a permanent solution. The source said the Americans were "far more" flexible in their demands than the Omanis. Should Iran and Oman reach an agreement, it is expected to be acceptable to the US. "Iran conveyed a message: Any solution that we agree to and sign must also be approved by Washington," the source said. A source involved in the talks told Reuters that the outbound lane would follow a route between Iran and Oman, with exit clearance granted through Oman after notifying Iran. "Tehran is unlikely to change its position," the source added. This agreement would also give Iran control over areas that were international waters before the war, officials told the New York Times on Monday, adding that the terms of the proposed agreement would lie heavily in Iran's favor. The deal stipulates that no tolls will be charged, but there is a "service fee" to cover various environmental and staffing costs, Iranian officials told the NYT. The revenue from said fee would be divided equally between Iran and Oman, they noted. However, a US official familiar with the negotiations told the NYT on Monday that Iran's account was "not accurate." The official said there would be no tolls and that any new routes or channels would be "temporary" and would not require Iran's permission or approval. Trump also disputed Iranian claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the waterway is "already completely controlled by the United States Navy." Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday night that, despite Trump's claims, there are no ongoing talks between Iran and the United States and no upcoming meetings planned, per the Wall Street Journal. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that talks with Oman concerning the future of the Strait of Hormuz were continuing, and both Oman and Iran noted that there had been progress made over the last few days.