US Urges Iran to Abandon Strait of Hormuz Transit Fees in Doha Talks

According to an American official cited by Axios, the United States is attempting to persuade Iran to withdraw its imposition of transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. The official emphasized that the potential gains Iran could achieve from the lifting of sanctions would far exceed any revenues from such fees.

Regarding the atmosphere of the negotiations held in Doha, the official stated that the revenues Iran might generate by freely developing and selling oil and other resources, if the US lifts all sanctions under an agreement, "would be a hundred times more valuable than attempting to impose transit fees in a manner resembling gang tactics."

The official added that the American message to Iran was to "think more broadly," urging Tehran to consider their potential within the framework of a broader nuclear agreement and a pact on non-intervention in the region.

He also noted that Gulf discussions are currently underway on how to manage the Strait after the expiration of the memorandum of understanding, and that these discussions have begun to overlap with the US-Iran negotiations.

Axios pointed out that the Doha talks focus primarily on the Strait of Hormuz, with the Trump administration seeking to convince Iran that a nuclear deal would bring benefits far surpassing any income from transit fees in the strait.

The official conveyed that an understanding had been reached to maintain calm during the upcoming week to facilitate progress on all aspects of the memorandum of understanding within a constructive environment, without missile launches.

He further indicated that US President Donald Trump has been clear that the United States would respond to any Iranian gunfire with greater firepower targeting assets that would weaken Iran’s position in the strait.

Greater Profitability

The official explained that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are attempting to convince the Iranians that insisting on transit fees could jeopardize a US-Iran agreement that would be more profitable for Iran in the long term.

Concerning frozen Iranian funds, Axios cited a regional source stating that $3 billion would not be transferred to Iran in cash; instead, the Central Bank of Iran would be allowed to use these funds to purchase humanitarian goods, some of which would come from the US market.

The site also reported that US officials denied any such understanding had been reached and confirmed that no funds have been released.

According to the source, American negotiators informed the Iranian side during the Doha talks that they intend to continue restraining Israel and ensure its compliance with the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The source added that the United States emphasized that Israel’s withdrawal from two pilot areas in southern Lebanon constitutes a first step, which, if properly implemented, could lead to further withdrawals.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who heads the Iranian technical team, denied after Wednesday’s meetings that any direct talks had taken place between his delegation and the American delegation, affirming that all negotiations were conducted through Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries.

He explained that the parties agreed to establish an "emergency communication channel by tomorrow" to address any violations of the memorandum of understanding. He also stated that discussions took place on how to utilize Iran’s frozen funds in Qatar, with an agreement reached to purchase required goods according to Iran’s declared needs and deliver them accordingly.

Trump’s envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, met on Tuesday in Doha with the Qatari Prime Minister and other Qatari officials mediating between the United States and Iran, followed by a meeting with the Emir of Qatar on Wednesday.

The purpose of these meetings was to reach understandings that would enable the start of negotiations between the American and Iranian technical teams.

Two regional sources told Axios that the meetings were positive and paved the way for technical talks, although it remains unclear whether Witkoff and Kushner held any direct meetings with Iranian officials.

The sources added that the main issues discussed in Doha included the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, frozen Iranian assets, and the ceasefire in Lebanon.