A communication line has been established between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz under the final statement of the Switzerland talks to help prevent incidents that could trigger military escalation.
According to the final statement issued by the two mediators after last week’s talks in Zurich, the channel was created to avoid incidents in the strategic waterway that may lead to military conflict and to implement the provisions of Article Five of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, a source told Press TV.
Iran has stressed that, under the understanding reached, any transit through the Strait of Hormuz must take place along routes announced by the Islamic Republic.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi underlined that position on Friday, saying, “Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes or decision-making that does not take Iran’s role as a coastal state into account.”
He further warned that any failure to coordinate with Tehran would lead to the suspension of parallel routes.
Senior official: Hormuz safe passage conditional on Iran’s coordination
Under the 14-point interim agreement signed on June 18, which halted the war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran agreed to make best efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels for 60 days at no charge.
Article 5 of the memorandum also provides for talks between Iran and Oman to define the future administration of the strait and maritime services in line with international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states.
In line with that framework, Iranian officials say Tehran’s role is central to any future arrangements. The Supreme National Security Council has set up a Persian Gulf Strait Authority to process vessel transit requests, requiring prior applications and adherence to designated routes and schedules.
Iran and Oman have also formed a joint working group involving officials from the two foreign ministries to discuss the future administration of the strait, maritime services and related costs. Both sides have reaffirmed that all arrangements must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the coastal states.
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