Two senior Iranian sources said Tehran is determined to secure international
recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz and the right to levy fees
on ships transiting the waterway, and is prepared to use force if necessary.
Under a temporary agreement with the US this month to halt a three-month
conflict, Iran agreed to allow ships free passage for 60 days; Tehran says the
wording permits it to control which vessels may transit and to dictate routes
within the narrow strait. The sources said Iran will press for long-term formal
recognition of that control after the temporary period and will not shift to
other issues in talks with Washington until consensus is reached.
