Xinhua News Agency, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said on the 23rd that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels and no fees are charged.
Bahreini, responding to questions from the United Nations Correspondents Association in Geneva on the same day regarding the negotiations between Iran and the United States, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now open for a period of 60 days, during which no fees will be charged. In addition, Iran and the United States have decided to establish a communication mechanism on this issue to monitor and resolve any potential problems. After 60 days, the specific situation regarding the opening of the strait will be determined by the outcome of negotiations between Iran and the United States.
The negotiating representatives of Iran and the United States concluded the first round of talks on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed by both sides last week in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on the 22nd.
Furthermore, Oman and Iran issued a joint statement in Muscat on the 23rd, stating that as littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz, Oman and Iran reaffirm their commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with applicable international law.
The statement emphasized that all arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the two countries as littoral states. Both sides reiterated the importance of maintaining the Strait of Hormuz as a safe and open waterway for international navigation and stressed the continued strengthening of cooperation to promote maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
Both sides stated that they will continue dialogue on the Strait of Hormuz issue through a joint working group established between their foreign ministries, with the aim of reaching agreement on the future navigation management mechanism of the strait, related service arrangements, and fee standards, and ensuring that relevant arrangements comply with international standards. Both sides also agreed to conduct consultations with Gulf littoral states and other relevant parties.
