Iran says Hormuz transit fee details not under discussion in Oman talks

Iran is not currently discussing details of possible transit fees with Oman as the two countries negotiate a new route for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei clarified on Monday.

Asked whether transit fees had been raised in the negotiations and whether they would be shared between Iran and Oman or allocated solely to Iran, Baghaei said, “We are not discussing such details at this stage.”

Baghaei said talks between Tehran and Muscat were continuing and that the two sides had reached an understanding on the traffic map for the proposed route.


Read more: New Hormuz security mechanisms developed with Oman: Iran's Foreign Ministry, says US violations block safe waterway

“I had previously said that an understanding has been reached regarding the traffic map. Regarding the joint statement, there are still some technical points that are being discussed, but the negotiations are taking place in a very smooth and constructive manner,” he said.

The two sides are also discussing mechanisms for the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, environmental issues, maritime services and combating crime, Baghaei said.

He said mechanisms would be established to monitor the safe passage of shipping and address issues related to the environment, maritime services and combating crime.

While details of transit fees are not currently being discussed, Baghaei said compensation for maritime services would ordinarily be expected.

“As a rule, when you provide maritime services, you should definitely receive compensation for it,” he said.

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On what Iran considers necessary for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully opened and the naval blockade to end, Baghaei distinguished the talks with Oman from the broader military situation involving the United States.

He said the Strait was not closed because of a dispute between Iran and Oman, but because of what Iran describes as US and Israeli military aggression against Iran and the use of bases along the southern Persian Gulf coast.

“The reason for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was the military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime [Israel] against Iran and the misuse of the Strait of Hormuz and the use of bases located on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf to attack Iran,” Baghaei said.

He said negotiations with Oman were focused specifically on establishing a safe shipping route, while the question of fully opening the Strait remained linked to the broader military situation.

“The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is subject to the fulfilment of the conditions that have been imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran, this waterway, and the entire region due to the military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime,” he said.

Baghaei also said Tehran considers itself to remain in a state of war.

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“Keep in mind that we are still at war,” he said.

The Iranian spokesperson said Tehran would not consider the waterway fully safe while what it describes as a US naval blockade and other violations continue. He added that the bilateral understanding with Oman, even if finalised, would not by itself be sufficient to establish conditions for a complete reopening of the Strait.

“As long as the US naval blockade continues, according to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, such a naval blockade is an act of aggression,” Baghaei said.

“As long as other US violations continue, the necessary conditions will not exist to say that the Strait of Hormuz has become a safe waterway,” he added.

Earlier, Iran’s parliamentary commission for National Security and Foreign Policy on Sunday passed the broad framework of a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering regional security and sustainable development in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Press TV, commission spokesman Hassan Qashqavi said lawmakers reviewed the draft proposal alongside delegates from relevant government organisations and institutions.