Iran-Oman Deal Would Ban US and Israeli Ships From Strait of Hormuz and Impose Tolls

Iran and Oman have agreed on the geographic coordinates for a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and are finalizing a joint statement on the arrangement, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that the process could still be delayed if "certain third parties" interfere 123. Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, told state media the route would run largely through Iran's territorial waters with some segments in Oman's waters, and that existing temporary routes would close in favor of the new corridor for at least two to four months 3. A draft Iranian text and multiple reports describe the plan as barring US and Israeli vessels, along with other "hostile" states, while introducing a toll or fee system for other ships 14. Iran is pushing for a transit fee of 5 to 7 percent of cargo value while Oman has proposed a lower 3 percent rate, and the draft bill, still under review by an Iranian parliamentary committee awaiting expert recommendations, would fine violating vessels up to 20 percent of cargo value 14. US officials say Washington will not accept any arrangement that leaves Iran in control of the waterway or permits Iranian tolls, and eight major shipping associations have written to the UN and International Maritime Organization opposing any toll scheme as a violation of international navigation norms 3. Iran maintains the strait will not reopen to all traffic until the US lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports 23.