Opening Hormuz for Iranian Control: Trump Walks into a Trap
Iran and Oman are nearing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but disputes over Iranian control, fees, and sanctions are stirring opposition in Washington. Officials in Tehran stress the agreement will include a 'service fee' to fund environmental and security measures, while a US official denies this, clarifying there will be no fees. Rubio warns of a dangerous precedent, and the Pentagon fears capitulation to Iran. Trump has twice canceled bombing plans to keep the door open for a deal.
Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement that would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but the dispute over Iranian control, fees, and sanctions is stirring opposition in Washington and threatens to complicate talks with Trump. According to American and Iranian sources, the emerging deal stipulates that ships entering the Persian Gulf will pass through a shipping lane under strict Iranian control, near its shores, while outgoing ships will sail in a route adjacent to Oman. Officials in Tehran stress that although no official 'transit fees' will be levied, the agreement will include a 'service fee' to cover environmental impacts, ship security, and personnel costs, with revenues split evenly. A US official denied the claims, saying the Iranian description is 'inaccurate,' and clarified that any temporary route would not require permits from Iran and would not include fees. According to Rubio, the first phase would be opening the straits and the second dismantling the nuclear program, but Iran insists the strait remain closed until the US lifts its naval blockade on its ports and both countries return to the 14-point plan. In a meeting with Southeast Asian officials, Rubio warned that allowing a state to control an international waterway, levy tolls, and threaten to blow up ships is a dangerous precedent. Within the Pentagon, skepticism is growing, and senior officials fear capitulation to Iran, especially due to mines in the Omani route. Trump has twice canceled Central Command bombing plans in an attempt to keep the door open for a deal.