TEHRAN, AUG 10: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Iran was not currently discussing imposing fees on ships transiting the vital Strait of Hormuz as Omani-Iranian talks continue over the waterway.

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Baghaei said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was now conditional on lifting the US naval blockade.

He said that as long as hostile actions continue, the conditions necessary to ensure the security of this waterway are not in place, adding that reopening the strait depends on halting what he described as unlawful US measures, lifting the blockade and compensating for damages.

Baghaei also said the negotiations between Iran and Oman were focused on establishing a safe maritime route.

He reiterated Iran’s position that the closure of the strait came as a result of US and Israeli aggression.

He stressed that the talks with Muscat “have nothing to do with political issues.”

Baghaei also said that Iran was working on “mechanisms for monitoring security, protecting the environment and combating crime at sea.”

Fees and charges would be levied for maritime services provided to ships, he explained.