Soon after US President Donald Trump announced his decision not to go ahead with attacks on Iran, citing a peace deal with Tehran which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the state news agency has issued a statement regarding the key waterway.
Iranian Fars News Agency, identified as the mouthpiece of the Revolutionary Guards, reported from a source "close to the Iranian negotiating team" that there is no agreement related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The report added that "the news on the subject is false," and an Iranian military official added that the Strait is expected to remain closed as long as America's "hostile steps" continue. He said that the passage of ships through Hormuz will also be possible only with the permission of the Revolutionary Guard.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world's most important energy routes, with a significant portion of oil exports from the Persian Gulf passing through it. Any threat to freedom of navigation in the region raises concerns in international markets and could affect energy prices.
According to a report that appeared in Axios, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has agreed to a compromise proposal formulated by the US and Qatari mediators for an arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The emerging outline includes an agreement that vessels will enter the Gulf through Iranian maritime space, while exiting the Gulf will be through Omani maritime space.
This means that Iran will be allowed de facto to collect transit fees from all those entering the Strait. From the Iranians' perspective, this is a complete victory on the Hormuz issue, as they will now be able to "imprison" ships that refuse to pay transit fees within the Strait.
Diplomatic sources said that Oman agreed to the proposed outline, but requested clarification from Tehran on whether Araqchi's position also represents the Revolutionary Guards. The mediators in Qatar continue in talks with Iranian officials to ensure full support for the understandings.
