Working-level negotiations to end the conflict between the United States and Iran are struggling to gain momentum.

The Wall Street Journal reported on July 2 (local time) that despite a U.S. proposal to unfreeze certain assets, Iran refuses to abandon its demand to collect transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, which are estimated at 40 billion dollars per year, or approximately 62 trillion won.

Reporting on the atmosphere of the working-level talks held in Doha, Qatar, on July 2, the Wall Street Journal stated that the U.S. offered compensation regarding the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran remains unmoved.

In indirect negotiations mediated by other countries, U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner proposed that Iran relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz and withdraw its demand for transit fees in exchange for receiving several billion dollars of its frozen assets.

Previously, the U.S. had discussed a plan to allow Iran to use 6 billion dollars, or approximately 9 trillion won, out of 100 billion dollars—about 155 trillion won—in Iranian assets frozen worldwide, which are currently held in Qatar, for the purchase of humanitarian goods following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict.

However, the Wall Street Journal explained that these discussions have been delayed because 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 after returning from Doha that the Strait of Hormuz is under the command of Iran, not the United States.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees the integrated command of the Iranian military, also issued a statement on July 3 warning that any oil tanker or merchant vessel that deviates from designated routes or ignores navigation regulations will face immediate and strong countermeasures.

Due to Iran's hardline stance, Oman, which is also involved in discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, is considering 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 contribute.

However, this method, which Iran has opposed in the past, differs from a mandatory fee paid by 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 that Iran intends to open the strait on its own terms.

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

The deadlock in negotiations is also impacting maritime logistics.

According to market research firm Kpler, the number of daily vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz was 43 as of July 1.

This is a significant decrease from 75 vessels one week earlier.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)