Iran negotiates with Oman a “protocol” with toll collection to transit through the Strait of Hormuz

“The objective of these talks is to examine a protocol and procedure for the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bagaei said at a press conference on Monday.

Bagaei indicated that yesterday the two countries held a new meeting of vice foreign ministers on the matter and expressed his belief that they will reach an agreement soon.

Iran and Oman are the two countries with a coastline on the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic passage through which 20% of the world’s oil transits.

The Islamic Republic has blocked the passage since the beginning of the war, on February 28, with the United States and Israel and It only allows the transit of some ships from allied countries.

The Fars agency reported that yesterday Only 15 ships transited through the passage, compared to the almost hundred a day usual before the war.

Tehran wants to formalize this control of the strait with the promulgation of a law that establishes the payment of tolls to travel there and that it would prohibit the passage of American and Israeli ships.

The blockade of the strait has skyrocketed the price of oil, among other products, and has led US President Donald Trump to issue an ultimatum to Iran to reopen it.

After extending the deadline several times, the ultimatum expires at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday the 7th in Washington (00:00 GMT on Wednesday the 8th) and after that Trump has assured that he will attack energy infrastructure and bridges.