Despite U.S. Offer to Unfreeze Assets, Iran Insists on Strait of Hormuz Tolls

The Wall Street Journal reported that working-level negotiations to end the conflict between the United States and Iran are struggling to gain momentum because Iran refuses to abandon its demand to collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, which are estimated to be worth 40 billion dollars (approximately 62 trillion won) annually, despite a U.S. proposal to unfreeze Iranian assets.

The newspaper described the atmosphere of the working-level talks held in Doha, Qatar, on July 1, stating, "The U.S. offered compensation regarding the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran has not budged."

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, proposed through intermediaries that Iran relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz and withdraw its position on collecting tolls in exchange for receiving billions of dollars in frozen assets.

Previously, the U.S. discussed a plan to allow Iran to use 6 billion dollars (approximately 9 trillion won) out of 100 billion dollars (approximately 155 trillion won) in Iranian assets frozen worldwide—specifically those held in Qatar—for the purchase of humanitarian goods, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the conflict.

However, the Wall Street Journal added that these discussions are being delayed as Iran has not lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has publicly expressed a negative stance toward the U.S. proposal.

Kazem Gharibabadi, the Deputy Foreign Minister who led the Iranian working-level delegation, stated upon his return from Doha that the Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian command, not the U.S. Furthermore, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees the integrated command of the Iranian military, issued a statement on July 3 warning that all oil tankers and merchant vessels "will face immediate and strong responses if they deviate from designated routes or ignore navigation regulations."

Due to Iran's hardline stance, Oman, which is also involved in discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, is exploring an alternative plan to cover the costs of maritime services in the strait through voluntary contributions. Oman is currently in the process of asking oil and shipping companies whether they are willing to share the burden of these contributions.

This method, which Iran has previously opposed, differs from a fee imposed on all vessels passing through the strait.

Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the London-based think tank Chatham House, pointed out, "Iran wants to open the strait on its own terms."

It is reported that the U.S. is concerned that this plan could ultimately become a roundabout way of paying tolls, providing economic benefits to Iran.

The stalemate in negotiations is also affecting maritime logistics.

According to market research firm Kpler, the number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz per day was 43 as of July 1, a significant decrease from 75 ships a week earlier.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.