The US is trying to change Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz

YEREVAN, July 2. /ARKA/. The US is insisting in discussions with Iran that it can obtain more funds through the full implementation of the memorandum between the two countries than by collecting fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reports citing an American official.

According to him, the Iranian side is being persuaded that if the US lifts sanctions under the terms of the agreement, Iran could receive funds from the free sale of oil and other resources "100 times more than using gangster tactics of collecting fees".

"We are convincing them to think broader about their own possibilities, in the context of a broader nuclear agreement and non-interference in internal affairs," said the source.

At the same time, US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and President Jared Kushner's son-in-law are trying to convey to the Iranian side Washington's viewpoint that the demand for payment for passing through the Strait of Hormuz could undermine US-Iran agreements.

An Axios source in the region confirmed reports that the US and Iran agreed to unfreeze the first tranche of blocked Iranian funds. This concerns $3 billion, but they will not be transferred to Iran in cash; instead, Iran will be able to purchase humanitarian goods with them, at least part of them from the US. American officials deny information about such agreements.

In addition, the source stated that during negotiations in Doha, the US informed Iran that it would continue to restrain Israel and guarantee its compliance with the ceasefire in Lebanon. The American side emphasized that the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the two areas they occupy in southern Lebanon would be the first step, and if it goes successfully, Israel would continue to withdraw its troops.

On June 30, The New York Times reported, citing sources, that Iran and Oman are continuing to develop plans to obtain payments from ships using the Strait of Hormuz. One of the diplomats who spoke with the publication noted that the potential fee would be voluntary. However, an Iranian official who spoke with the newspaper explained that the fee would be mandatory.