US media reports that Iran and Oman are close to reaching a

Beijing, August 4 (Xinhua) -- US media reported on August 3, citing Iranian and US officials, that Iran and Oman are close to reaching an agreement on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The New York Times reported that according to the agreement discussed by both sides, ships entering the Persian Gulf will travel through a waterway near the Iranian coast and controlled by Iran, while ships exiting will take a waterway near Oman.

Multiple Iranian officials have stated that vessels traveling to and from Iran are required to pay a "service fee," which will be split equally between Iran and Oman.

However, a US official familiar with the negotiations said that the statements made by Iranian officials were "inaccurate", and that the establishment of any "temporary" waterway in the Strait of Hormuz does not require Iranian approval and will not charge passing ships.

Iranian officials have stated that even if Iran reaches an agreement with Oman, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed if the US does not lift its blockade of Iranian ports and resume compliance with the 14 point memorandum of understanding previously reached between Iran and the US.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagae stated on a program broadcasted by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and Television on the 2nd that Iran and Oman are committed to delineating a new route in the Strait of Hormuz under the framework of the traffic separation scheme to ensure the sovereignty rights of both sides and Iran's national interests and security. Iran's Maher News Agency reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Alaghzi stated on the same day that negotiations between Iran and Oman on joint management of the Strait of Hormuz have entered the final stage.

On the 3rd, US President Trump said at the White House that the US will not allow Iran to charge for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and "if we want to charge, we will also charge. (Hui Xiaoshuang)