Iran Reportedly Opens Strait of Hormuz Without Toll, US Ready to Lift Blockade

Iran has reportedly agreed not to levy tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz as part of a settlement agreement with the United States. The report was delivered by Fox News, citing a source familiar with the discussions. According to the report, Iran will reopen the strategic shipping lane without imposing toll fees on passing vessels. A senior US administration official also told Fox News that if the deal is signed, the US will lift the blockade imposed alongside Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Mine-clearing operations will then commence immediately. Previously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran and Oman would soon issue a joint statement regarding shipping management in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Araghchi stressed there were no negotiations on imposing tolls on transiting ships, though fees for certain services may still be applied. The statement emerged amid efforts to de-escalate tensions that had disrupted shipping traffic and global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil trade routes.