Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
US Vice President JD Vance has said Iran has assured Washington that it does not intend to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, though American officials remain cautious as talks over maritime security continue.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Vance said Tehran had communicated that it had no plans to levy charges on commercial shipping using the strategic waterway.
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“You see, some people within the Iranian system, of course, talk about tolling. The Iranians have told us they have no plans to toll the Strait of Hormuz. But again, we’re going to see what actions actually happen,” Vance told Fox News.
US SEEKS RETURN TO NORMAL ENERGY FLOWS
Vance said Washington’s primary objective is to see oil and gas exports from the Gulf return to levels seen before the conflict erupted earlier this year.
“Our expectation is that the same volume of oil and gas that moved through the Gulf before the conflict will move again,” Vance said, adding that Iranian officials had conveyed that message to the US.
According to the vice president, Gulf nations also support restoring normal shipping and energy trade through the region. However, he stressed that the US would judge Iran by its actions rather than its statements.
“We don’t trust, we verify. We actually look not at people’s words, but people’s deeds,” Vance said, noting that Washington would closely monitor developments on the ground before drawing conclusions.
HORMUZ TOLL PROPOSAL REMAINS A KEY CONCERN
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of tensions between Tehran and Washington in recent months. One of the most contentious issues has been reports that Iran was considering charging ships a fee for using the narrow passage.
Earlier reports citing Iranian officials suggested Tehran was exploring transit fees ranging from 5% to 7% of the value of cargo carried by vessels crossing the strait.
Addressing those concerns, Vance acknowledged that some voices within Iran had discussed the possibility of tolls but said US officials had received assurances from Tehran that no such plan was currently under consideration.
“The Iranians have told us they have no plans to toll the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
FOCUS SHIFTS TO SAFE NAVIGATION AND DEMINING
Beyond the toll issue, negotiations have increasingly focused on ensuring the safe movement of commercial vessels through the waterway.
Vance said Iran and Gulf countries, particularly Oman, have been discussing mechanisms to secure shipping lanes after mines were reportedly laid in parts of the strait during the conflict.
According to him, current discussions are centred on establishing safe transit routes and carrying out demining operations to reduce risks for commercial shipping.
The US is also seeking guarantees that Iran will not target commercial vessels moving through the region.
IRAN SIGNALS CONDITIONS FOR FULL REOPENING
While diplomatic engagement appears to be advancing, Iranian officials have indicated that a complete reopening of the strait remains tied to broader political and security demands.
Oman has confirmed that discussions with Tehran on maritime arrangements have been constructive, though no timeline has been announced for a final agreement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations were in their final stages but cautioned that restoring full access to the waterway would depend on additional conditions being met.
Iranian officials have called for compensation from the US over alleged violations of a previous ceasefire understanding and have demanded an end to what they describe as hostile measures against Iran.
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, Iran’s security chief, also stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not fully reopen until Washington addresses several Iranian concerns, including sanctions-related issues and restrictions affecting Iranian maritime activity. Speaking to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, he said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States “corrects” its behaviour.
PROGRESS, BUT NO BREAKTHROUGH YET
US President Donald Trump has suggested that an agreement with Iran could be reached soon. Vance, however, struck a more measured tone, saying progress had been made in recent days but significant issues remained unresolved.
“The question is whether Iran’s system can deliver what is necessary for us to feel that our objectives have been met,” Vance said, indicating that negotiations remain a work in progress.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade, making any disruption to shipping in the region a matter of major concern for energy markets and governments worldwide.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
