Commercial vessels crowded in the Strait of Hormuz on May 1
According to Iran's state-run Press TV, the United States and Iran, which previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), have established a communication channel in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent incidents that could escalate military tensions, the report said on the 26th (local time).
According to a source, the two countries established this channel to implement Article 5 of the MOU in accordance with recent talks held in Switzerland.
Article 5 of the MOU essentially states that for the next 60 days, Iran will not charge tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and will do its best to ensure safe passage. It also includes a plan for Iran, as a "coastal state of the strait," to discuss with Oman to define future services in the strait.
In this regard, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, chairman of the parliament and chief negotiator of the Iranian delegation, concluded his schedule in Switzerland on the 22nd and told Iranian media, "We have reached an agreement to establish a coordination mechanism."
At that time, Chairman Ghalibaf elaborated, "We plan to establish a telephone hotline and center so that if any ambiguities or disputes arise, ships can contact the center."
Over the past few days, cases of commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz have been continuously reported, but on the 25th, Iran suddenly attacked a container ship attempting to pass through the strait, keeping tensions high.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi issued a statement on this day and warned, "Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed without considering ambiguous consultations, parallel routes, or Iran's role as a coastal state in decisions." It appears to be an attempt to demonstrate Iran's control over the strait.
dk@yna.co.kr
