According to Iranian sources, Tehran has stated it alone is responsible for clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz and will not allow any other country to intervene. A memorandum stipulates that management rests with coastal states and that the strait will not return to its previous status; Iran also asserts it alone determines transit routes and will block vessels attempting alternate paths.
Iran has reiterated its exclusive claims over management of the Strait of Hormuz, this time asserting sole responsibility for mine clearance and transit-route determination. According to Iranian sources, a memorandum of understanding stipulates that the strait's management rests with coastal states (effectively Iran and Oman) and that the status quo ante will not be restored. Tehran further warned it would block any vessel attempting an unauthorized route.
The statement follows weeks of competing claims over the strait. As The Zioneer reported on June 28, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi declared sole responsibility for Hormuz and renewed strikes on commercial shipping. On June 20, CENTCOM stated Iran does not control the strait and traffic continues normally. On June 18, the Iranian foreign ministry first claimed management was solely Iran and Oman's responsibility and that toll collection would continue. Oman's foreign minister, reported by The Zioneer on Tuesday (June 30), confirmed Iran is responsible for clearing mines from shipping lanes and did not rule out future fees.
The current assertion hardens Iran's position on operational control, directly contradicting the U.S. position and international norms of free passage. No independent confirmation of the memorandum's terms or any new operational measures is available.
2 developments
- StrongIran: Strait of Hormuz management is solely Iran and Oman's responsibility, toll collection continues
- StrongIran's Araghchi declares sole responsibility for Strait of Hormuz management, renews strikes on shipping
- StrongIranian chief of staff claims full control of Strait of Hormuz, threatens shipping
- DevelopingIran's IRGC Navy says only Iran-authorized routes allowed through Strait of Hormuz
Source and signal
- Internal intake