US and Iran Sign Early Agreement: Strait of Hormuz Tolls Remain
The United States and Iran have signed an agreement to end hostilities ahead of schedule, according to official announcements from both countries and the mediation efforts of Pakistan. The newly established framework agreement is reported to take immediate effect, with Pakistan confirming that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened for maritime traffic and the United States will begin lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The mediation, supported by Qatar, will continue with a formal ceremony scheduled in Switzerland. Details about the event remain uncertain, as the agreement was signed earlier than anticipated. The US President signed the document in Versailles during the conclusion of the G7 summit, while Iran's President reportedly completed the signature digitally.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil, gas, and fertilizer shipments, had been largely closed following the recent outbreak of conflict. Iranian threats and attacks on vessels severely hindered shipping, prompting the United States to impose a blockade on Iranian ports to restrict Tehran's oil revenues. After extensive negotiations, the two countries reached consensus on a 14-point framework, which includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the US will gradually lift sanctions related to port access.
One unresolved issue involves the imposition of tolls for international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. For the duration of the next 60 days, during which further negotiations are set to occur, Iran has agreed not to increase existing fees. Future decisions regarding tolls will be negotiated with Oman, as outlined in the framework.
On Wednesday, Iran reiterated its intention to retain the right to levy charges on ships passing through the strait after the 60-day negotiation phase. Iranian officials stated that the country will not revert to pre-conflict conditions and maintains its claim to sovereignty over the waterway. The revenue from service charges is seen as a legitimate exercise of this sovereignty. Iranian representatives also described the agreement as a diplomatic achievement for Tehran.
The framework agreement also addresses Iran's nuclear program, which remains a topic for deeper discussions. As a preliminary measure, enriched uranium stockpiles in Iran will be diluted under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The agreement sets a 60-day window for negotiating a final peace settlement, with the option for extension if both sides consent.
Despite the signing, tensions persist. The US President has signaled a willingness to resume military action in response to any Iranian violations. This stance follows previous threats made during the G7 summit. The agreement arrives after a period of intense conflict that began earlier in the year, with coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets leading to high-level casualties in Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US military installations. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April, frequently disrupted by renewed hostilities. The US has repeatedly stated that its primary objective is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The upcoming Swiss ceremony, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, is expected to formalize the progress achieved so far and pave the way for further technical negotiations. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy markets and regional security.