Final US-Iran Deal Allows Tehran To Collect Fees In Strait Of Hormuz Despite Trump’s ‘Toll-Free’ Pledge

The final version of the agreement between the United States and Iran may allow Tehran to collect fees related to maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a person familiar with the negotiations cited by Iran’s Fars News Agency.

The deal was announced after nearly four months of conflict between the two countries. It is expected to lead to talks on Iran’s nuclear programme and possible sanctions relief.

Only limited details of the agreement have been officially released so far, while Iranian media have reported what they describe as parts of a 14-point framework.

According to the source quoted by Fars, last-minute changes to the text gave more emphasis to the role of Iran and Oman in managing the Strait of Hormuz.

The source said the revised wording “explicitly emphasised” Iran-Oman authority over the waterway.

Earlier drafts reportedly included Iran’s authority, but the final version states that the future administration of maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz will be decided by Iran and Oman.

The report says Iran considers the term “maritime services” as recognition of its right to collect related fees from ships passing through the strait.

The source also said the agreement allows ships to pass without charges for the first 60 days. After that period, Iran is expected to begin collecting revenue through services linked to safety, navigation, environmental protection and insurance.

The source added that cooperation from Oman is part of the arrangement, and discussions have taken place with Muscat.

US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would be open “toll free” after the agreement was announced. He later said the strait would reopen after the official signing, which is expected later this week.

Trump also said the deal would end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and restore free passage through the strait.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that an agreement has been reached, but said implementation will begin only after signing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier said full details would be shared only after the agreement is signed.

The United States has not yet commented on the reported provisions related to maritime fees. The full text of the agreement has not been released.

At present, key details about how the Strait of Hormuz will be managed in the future remain unclear, including whether commercial shipping will face charges after the initial 60-day period.

References: News18, Firstpost