US and Oman are looking for ways to break Iran's insistence on charging tolls for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, WSJ reports

Chief level indirect talks was a promise to unfreeze some of the USD 100bln in Iranian funds held overseas. Negotiators are looking at an alternative proposal from Oman, which has rights to the southern part of the strait. Under that plan, maritime services would be paid through a fund financed by voluntary donations. Gulf nations are doubtful it would work because Iran lacks sufficient equipment to properly manage the waterway. US negotiators received the proposal but had concerns with it, which they intend to raise with Oman. Another person said the plan could still be seen as a form of toll booth benefiting Iran