No tolls for Hormuz passage as diplomacy gathers pace

Diplomatic momentum around the Strait of Hormuz has gathered pace, with all parties outside Iran agreeing that passage through the strategic waterway should remain toll‑free. The consensus emerged after the first round of US‑Iran talks in Switzerland concluded on a positive note, with a second round now scheduled for next week in the same venue. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed he will visit Tehran to further the process.

Toll‑free passage and fund details

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the Financial Times that Doha has secured assurances from Iranian officials that the strait will not be closed again. “As Qatar, we firmly reject any tolls for transit,” he said, adding that normal traffic should resume within 30 days. Oman has also declined to impose fees. Regarding the reported $300 billion reconstruction fund, Al Thani clarified that the figure is “aspirational” and would require contributions from regional states, with final arrangements to be decided after the 60‑day ceasefire period.

Missile programme off the table

Pakistan’s Prime Minister has firmly stated that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was never part of the agenda. “There can be no double standards — some countries may have ballistic missiles, but Iran cannot? Such hypocrisy is unacceptable,” Sharif said. Meanwhile, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that 20 million barrels of oil had passed through the strait in the past 24 hours. The next technical meeting is scheduled for June 29‑30 in Switzerland. Mine‑clearing operations, involving US, British and French naval assets, are expected to proceed in three phases: detection, sweeping and disposal, with an estimated 11,000 mines laid by Iran during the conflict.