Lead

US President Donald Trump's envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday to continue negotiations with Iran, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. Their visit comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and Oman issuing a joint statement on the waterway's administration and Qatar voicing opposition to any toll system.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from the Jerusalem Post and TASS outline differing aspects of the negotiations. The Jerusalem Post highlights the US-Iranian dispute and the role of Omani proposals, while TASS focuses on statements from Qatari and Pakistani officials. Both outlets report on the 60-day no-charge period agreed in the US-Iran memorandum, though they differ in emphasis: the Jerusalem Post stresses the confusion over the memorandum's wording, while TASS presents it as a clear commitment.

Key Claims

  • Iran and Oman have agreed to pursue discussions on the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a joint statement reported by the Jerusalem Post. The statement emphasizes their sovereignty and sovereign rights over territorial waters and establishes a joint working group to reach agreement on navigation, services, and associated costs.
  • The US-Iran memorandum includes a "no charge" provision for 60 days for commercial vessels, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. This provision is part of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was reaffirmed in the Oman-Iran joint statement.
  • Qatar opposes the idea of charging a toll for passage through the Strait, according to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, as reported by TASS. He stated that Qatar's principled position is to oppose changing the status of the Strait from what it was before the war.
  • Iranian officials have made it clear that they believe it is unreasonable for ships to pass through the Strait without seeking their authorization, as a Western diplomat told the Jerusalem Post.
  • The US has made it clear that it will not tolerate any arrangement that lets Iran convert the Strait into a permission-based corridor, according to the Jerusalem Post. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored this stance.
  • Oman has proposed charging ships "special service fees" while allowing vessels that choose not to pay to continue transiting the Strait, as reported by the Jerusalem Post, citing Western diplomats. This proposal differs from Iran's insistence that all vessels must pay.
  • Iran is linking any progress in the talks on the Strait to the receipt of $3 billion, according to Al Hadath TV sources cited by TASS. The sources said the $3 billion had been agreed upon in principle.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is subject to the right of passage under UNCLOS and under customary international law binding on all states, as noted in the Jerusalem Post's reporting. Under Articles 38 and 44 of UNCLOS, bordering states cannot suspend, impede, or charge tolls for vessels passing through the Strait.

Perspectives

United States: Washington insists on toll-free, unimpeded passage through the Strait, viewing any fee-based arrangement as unacceptable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that no nation supports paying to transit the waterway.

Iran: Tehran asserts its sovereignty over the Strait and considers it unreasonable for vessels to pass without authorization. It has pushed for fees and links progress in talks to the receipt of $3 billion.

Oman: Muscat proposes a compromise of "special service fees" that would allow non-paying vessels to continue transiting, positioning itself closer to the US position while maintaining dialogue with Iran.

Qatar: Doha opposes any tolls and insists that navigation in the Strait must remain free and unimpeded, emphasizing the need for the status quo ante bellum.

Pakistan: Islamabad supports toll-free navigation in the Strait, as stated by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who confirmed no transit fees would be charged for 60 days.