Iran Says It Will Seek Recognition of Hormuz Control After 60-Day Transit Period

Iranian officials said on July 1 that Tehran will seek formal international recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and the right to charge transit fees once a 60-day interim period ends. Two senior Iranian sources told Al-Monitor that Iran interprets the June 17 arrangement as preserving its ability to determine which vessels may pass and which routes they may use during the 60 days.

The sources said Iranian negotiators will not move to other topics in talks with the United States until acceptance of this control is secured. If the interim period is not extended, Iran would begin charging ships for passage around mid-August, though no fee structure has been specified.

The sources added that Iran must discuss arrangements with Gulf states but is not required to reach agreement with them.

Over the weekend of June 27-28, Iran fired on four ships that attempted to cross on the Omani side without prior permission, according to Reuters reporting cited by Al-Monitor. The incidents prompted a brief exchange of fire with the United States. One senior Iranian official said Iran would not allow a return to the pre-war status quo and would impose new arrangements including choosing entry and exit routes, denying passage to vessels deemed a security threat, and charging fees for services.

On June 29, Tehran announced plans to hold talks with Oman to define transit paths through the strait. The strait measures just over 20 miles wide at its narrowest point. U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that no tolls would be charged for passage through the strait unless Washington itself decided to impose them.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during a meeting with Gulf states that no country holds the right to block shipping or impose fees on an international waterway.

An AP News report on July 1 stated that a ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran saying the incident occurred.