"Unreasonable": American official refutes rumors about understandings with Iran

An American official who spoke on Tuesday with the Reuters news agency clarified that as part of the contacts between the USA and Iran, no agreement will be included regarding the collection of fees or taxes for the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, Tehran presented demands that were considered by Washington to be "unreasonable," and these were also rejected by the mediator, Oman.

These remarks were made following the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, while efforts continue to formulate an arrangement that will allow for the renewal of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A source at the White House told Reuters that Iran is "exaggerating its demands" and that Oman, the USA, and the international community are rejecting these demands.

In recent days, Oman presented a regional outline for managing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, based on a model similar to the one used in the Strait of Malacca. According to the proposal, vessels would be able to pay voluntary fees for navigation, safety, and rescue services, but no mandatory fees would be imposed for passage through the strait. On the other hand, Iran is demanding broader control over shipping lanes and even requested to promote mechanisms that would allow it more significant influence over maritime traffic, demands that have sparked opposition from Gulf states and the USA.