Iran, US establish communication line to safeguard shipping through Hormuz, say mediators
A joint statement issued after the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, said the talks were held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and made “encouraging progress”, including a road map aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.
“In addition, a communication line has been established between the parties for the period specified in the 5th paragraph of the Memorandum of Understanding in order to prevent incidents and communication disorders in order to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.”
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The communication channel depends on the fifth paragraph of the memorandum of understanding: “Upon the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Islamic Republic of Iran will use its best efforts to make arrangements for the safe and free passage of commercial ships from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa for 60 days only.”
Under this provision, Iran committed to facilitate the passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz without charging a transit fee during the 60-day negotiation period.
The memorandum also states that “commercial ship traffic will begin immediately” and signals the immediate resumption of commercial maritime activities along the strategic waterway. This provision also addresses navigational safety, noting that “taking into account the need to remove technical and military obstacles and the clearance of mines by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be initiated within 30 days.” The measure requires Iran to remove obstacles to navigation and begin operations within a month.
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Looking beyond the interim arrangement, the memorandum states: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct a dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to determine future management and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, negotiating with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with relevant international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, a military source told Iranian media outlet Fars News Agency on Sunday.
According to Fars News Agency’s follow-ups from military sources, it was stated that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed and the Revolutionary Guards did not allow ships to pass until further notice.
The agency also said the move was the first response to Israel’s ongoing attacks in Lebanon and the US’s “failure to implement” the agreement to end the war.
The progress at the summit came despite US President Trump’s remarks in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, threatening to “seize the Bosphorus”.
