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Iran and Oman are reported to be close to an agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, with terms that would give Tehran control over vessels entering the Persian Gulf. According to US and Iranian officials cited by the New York Times, the proposed deal would require inbound ships to travel through a channel controlled by Iran along its coast, while outbound vessels would use a route managed by Oman. The reports, carried by multiple outlets, suggest the agreement could reshape the balance of power in the region after five months of war.Coverage Comparison
Reporting on the emerging deal varies in detail and emphasis. The Jerusalem Post and The Hindu both highlighted that the agreement would grant Iran authority over inbound traffic, framing it as a significant concession. TASS, citing The Wall Street Journal, focused on the specifics of the proposed routes, noting that ships would enter through Iranian territorial waters and exit via an Omani corridor. The same report indicated that no toll would be charged for exiting the Persian Gulf. All sources agree on the core structure: Iranian-controlled entry, Omani-controlled exit, but they differ on the financial terms and the degree of Iranian control.Key Claims
According to the New York Times, as reported by the Jerusalem Post, the deal stipulates that no tolls will be charged, but a "service fee" would be introduced to cover environmental and staffing costs. Revenue from this fee would be divided equally between Iran and Oman, Iranian officials said. However, a US official familiar with the negotiations told the NYT that Iran's account was "not accurate," maintaining that there would be no tolls and that any new routes would be temporary and not require Iran's permission.The Jerusalem Post also reported, citing Reuters, that Iran is seeking fees of between 5% and 7% of the price of cargoes from ships using the strait. This has been described by the world's leading shipping associations as "a toll in all but name," according to an open letter cited by Reuters and reported by the Jerusalem Post. The letter warns that compulsory charges would undermine the internationally recognized legal framework governing straits used for international navigation.
The Hindu, citing The Associated Press, reported that any deal appears contingent on the United States lifting its blockade on Iran's ports. The Trump administration has previously ruled out any deal that would give Iran control over the strait, but the sources indicate that negotiations have progressed.
TASS, citing The Wall Street Journal, reported that Iran requested the right to charge a toll, guarantees of non-resumption of attacks, lifting the US naval blockade, and easing sanctions against Iranian oil. The United States and Middle Eastern countries rejected the toll demand but want guarantees of no threats from Tehran.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, speaking to IRNA as quoted in The Hindu, reported "significant progress" in talks with Oman, saying both inward and outward journeys would pass through Iranian waters. However, a senior Iranian source told Reuters, as reported by The Hindu, that the text of an agreement envisions Iran controlling inbound ships, with the main sticking point being Iran's role over outbound traffic.
The US has imposed sanctions on the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which Iran set up in May to operate the waterway, according to the Jerusalem Post. Additionally, an insurance clause has been introduced for war underwriters that terminates cover for a vessel that has paid a transit fee, toll, or other charge for passage through the strait, the same report said.