Israeli media: Iran appears to have abandoned its demand for tolls in the Strait of Hormuz

Odaily reports: Trump is scheduled to meet Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani in Washington on Monday, a sign that Qatar is stepping up mediation efforts to push the US and Iran toward a new interim agreement. Two diplomatic sources familiar with the negotiations said Al Thani brought with him a plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz that has already been approved by Iran. Under the plan, the US would lift its maritime and economic blockade on Iran, and in exchange, Iran would stop attacking ships and oil tankers from Gulf states. According to the proposed agreement, $8 billion in Iranian funds held in Qatar would be unfrozen. Iran appears to have abandoned its demand to control the Strait of Hormuz and charge tolls on passing vessels. However, Tehran remains unwilling to discuss its nuclear program, or even to signal that it is open to negotiations on the matter. (Jinshi)