Iran Says It Is Negotiating With US Through Oman Over Strait of Hormuz

MUSCAT, Aug 7: Iran is negotiating with the United States through Oman over possible arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, an Iranian lawmaker said on Friday.

Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Tehran was holding talks “in Oman’s name” because Washington did not want to take direct responsibility for the discussions.

He said Oman was negotiating with Iran on behalf of the US after Tehran rejected an earlier proposal involving transit fees and a continued American presence in the region. According to Ardestani, the discussions include a plan under which Iran would manage the Strait of Hormuz and impose a tariff of 7% of cargo value on ships passing through the waterway.

The lawmaker claimed that revenues from the proposed fees would be divided between Iran and Oman, with Iran receiving 75% and Oman 25%. He also said Iran considers sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz to be under its control, with ships entering through Iranian routes and departing via routes involving Iran and Oman.