U.S. officials cite Strait of Hormuz clause in Iran deal

U.S. officials stated that Iran is required to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping without charging transit fees under the terms of an existing agreement. Iranian state media outlet Fars News agency dismissed the assertion, describing it as a "mix of truth and lies" and saying the agreement contains no clause obliging Iran to open the strait without fees.

Background on the Strait The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical transit route for oil shipments, with approximately six million barrels per day currently moving through the waterway. Fars News agency added that the agreement also contains no provision requiring Iran to dismantle nuclear materials.

Market data show that six million barrels are being withdrawn from global oil inventories each day. U.S. officials have not provided additional public details on enforcement mechanisms tied to the clause. Fars News agency maintained that the referenced obligations do not appear in the text of the agreement.