Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, stated on the 23rd that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to merchant vessels and that no fees are being charged.

Responding to questions from the United Nations Geneva Press Corps regarding the negotiations between Iran and the United States, Mr. Bahreini said that the Strait of Hormuz has been opened for a period of 60 days, during which no charges will be levied. Furthermore, the two sides have decided to establish a communication mechanism to monitor and resolve any issues that may arise. The specific arrangements for the strait after the 60-day period will depend on the outcome of negotiations between Iran and the US.

Iranian and US negotiators concluded their first round of talks on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two sides last week in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on the 22nd.

In a separate development, Oman and Iran issued a joint statement in Muscat on the 23rd. As coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, Oman and Iran reaffirmed their commitment, in accordance with applicable international law, to ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement emphasised that all arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the two nations as coastal states. The two sides reiterated the importance of maintaining the Strait of Hormuz as a safe and open waterway for international navigation and stressed that they would continue to strengthen cooperation to promote maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.

The two sides indicated that they will continue their dialogue on the Strait of Hormuz through the joint working group established between their respective foreign ministries, with a view to reaching agreement on a future navigation management mechanism, related service arrangements, and fee structures, while ensuring that such arrangements conform to international standards. The two sides also agreed to hold consultations with other Gulf coastal states and relevant parties.