Tehran: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that the discussions between Iran and Oman regarding the new arrangements for the movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz are nearing completion.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs stated that the decision on whether Iran would collect transit fees from vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz would depend on the resolutions of Iran's highest authorities and the conduct of the United States. The agreement with Oman aims to establish new commercial shipping routes, a significant shift from the practice of the last sixty years, with a notable portion of the shipping lane running through Iran's territorial waters.

Gharibabadi clarified that this agreement does not imply a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but introduces a new model for maritime navigation in the area. The talks between Iran and Oman are part of ongoing efforts, and there is potential for a related agreement with the United States in the near future. He also mentioned that Iran had received indications that Washington was willing to "return to its commitments," though he did not specify the nature of these commitments or how the messages were communicated.