US says Strait of Hormuz to be toll-free under Iran peace deal
Washington- The United States said the Strait of Hormuz will be open to toll-free shipping under a new Iran peace deal, while stressing that Tehran must meet its commitments before receiving any economic benefits.
A senior Trump administration official said ships would be able to pass freely through the strategic waterway under the agreement signed electronically by US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials.
The deal is part of a 60-day framework aimed at reaching a broader settlement, including on Iran’s nuclear programme, though US officials acknowledged that major issues remain unresolved.
Washington said Iran could eventually access reconstruction funds and sanctions relief, potentially linked to a $300 billion support package, but insisted that disbursements would depend on verified compliance.
US officials said international nuclear inspectors would be allowed back into Iran to oversee the handling of enriched uranium as part of the agreement’s technical phase.
However, Iranian officials signaled a different interpretation, saying the deal would allow the country to impose maritime service fees rather than eliminate charges entirely.
US officials added that no frozen Iranian assets have been released so far, and any future economic measures would be strictly conditional.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, is expected to gradually return to normal levels over the coming weeks as technical arrangements are implemented.
