Proposed Hormuz deal grants Iran partial control over maritime traffic

The framework under discussion envisions Iran exercising direct authority over inbound ships, though Iranian officials note that the role of Tehran regarding outbound traffic remains a primary point of contention. Gulf negotiators are pushing for regional supervision of inspections and insist that any financial levies remain voluntary. This approach serves as a potential compromise between Iranian demands for fees—ranging from 5% to 7% of cargo value—and the U.S. position, which maintains that access to the energy trade route must remain free of charges.

Despite President Donald Trump’s recent claims that a resolution is imminent, sources close to the discussions suggest that a final agreement is premature. Skepticism persists in Tehran, where officials warn that the delicate diplomatic process remains vulnerable to sudden shifts in U.S. policy. Meanwhile, the security environment continues to deteriorate; the Iran-aligned Houthi movement recently claimed an attack on a Saudi-flagged tanker in the Red Sea, underscoring the persistent threat to shipping lanes outside the Strait. With U.S. military resources reportedly strained after months of conflict, the administration faces mounting domestic pressure to secure a withdrawal from the war, even as the proposed concessions threaten to fundamentally alter the regional balance of power.