[Foreign Media: Iran Seeks to Charge 5% to 7% of Cargo Value for Strait Transit Ships] BlockBeats News, August 6, according to Reuters citing an Iranian senior official and two regional officials, the proposed Iran-Oman agreement would grant Iran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, marking one of the largest concessions Iran has received to date. Iran subsequently stated that ships entering and exiting the Gulf would pass through Iranian waters. Regional sources noted that details regarding the definition of 'control' still need to be clarified. An Iranian source stated that the current draft agreement envisions Iran controlling ships entering the Gulf via the strait, with one of the main disputes being the role Iran should play regarding ships exiting the Gulf. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister later commented: 'The design of this route ensures that the commercial shipping lanes for entry and exit will pass through Iranian territorial waters.' A senior Iranian official revealed that Iran seeks to charge ships using the strait a fee equivalent to 5% to 7% of their cargo value. Oman is discussing a lower fee of approximately 3%, while Washington hopes for no fees at all. Allowing the fee payment to remain nominally voluntary could be a way to break the deadlock, though under the threat of potential Iranian attacks, shipping companies may feel compelled to pay for passage. [Original Link]