The importance of the Strait of Hormuz emerges again as a critical factor in the negotiations between Iran and the USA, as Tehran treats it as a tool of pressure against its opponents.
As a report by Al Jazeera from Tehran mentions, Iran realized from the very beginning of the conflict that control of this specific maritime passage gives it a significant strategic advantage, both at a regional and global level.
The "60-day agreement" and the cloudy future
According to the existing memorandum of understanding, no imposition of transit fees is foreseen for the next 60 days.
However, there is no clear picture of what will happen after the expiration of this period, a fact that creates uncertainty in the markets and in diplomatic circles.
Tehran is allegedly promoting the idea of a new navigation regime in the region, without however its final form having been clarified.
The tough stance of Washington
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio categorically rejected any discussion regarding fees or tolls in Hormuz, emphasizing that "there will be no charge", regardless of how this will be named.
At the same time, he mentioned that there is no support for such arrangements from the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, reinforcing the position of the USA in favor of maintaining the existing regime of free navigation.
Conflict over the future of navigation
The Iranian side insists that it does not intend to return to the pre-war status quo.
Officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are allegedly arguing that every ship transiting through Hormuz must be in full coordination with the Iranian authorities, regardless of whether it moves in Iranian or Omani territorial waters.
This position clashes directly with the USA and the Gulf countries, which reject any attempt at de facto control of the strategic passage by Tehran.
Danger for the negotiations
The main point of friction is the status that will apply after the expiration of the 60-day transitional period.
The Iranian pursuit of a more permanent and strict framework of control over maritime traffic clashes with the American position in favor of full freedom of navigation.
According to analysts, this disagreement can develop into a decisive obstacle for the ongoing talks, with a possibility even of derailing them if a compromise solution is not found.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments