Iran wants sanctions relief in exchange for toll-free Hormuz transit
Tehran looking to exploit situation before resuming broader peace talks with US
Iran is looking to further exploit the situation in the Strait of Hormuz by seeking sanctions relief in exchange for agreeing to a toll-free passage in the strategic waterway, sources told The National on Thursday.
The US, Iran and other countries are reportedly in the final stages of discussions over navigation in the strait. Iran has been attacking shipping in the waterway in an attempt to create leverage during the peace talks mediated by Pakistan, Qatar and others.
AUGUST 07, 2026 – THE NATIONAL NEWS
According to sources briefed on the discussions, Iran is working to establish a new toll-free mechanism to allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. That would be followed by the resumption of negotiations with the US on a broader peace deal, with Iran seeking immediate sanctions relief.
“By reaching a temporary arrangement with Oman for Hormuz, it will bring the US back to the negotiating table when it can hope to make gains on the issue of the funds and sanctions,” said one of the sources.
