Iran and the United States have established a direct communication line in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent incidents that could escalate into military confrontation, Iranian state media Press TV reported on Friday. The move is part of the implementation of provisions under a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
Details of the Communication Line
According to the final statement of talks held between the two sides in Switzerland, issued by mediators Qatar and Pakistan, the communication channel was created to help manage potential incidents in the strategic waterway. Press TV quoted the statement as saying: "In order to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz that might lead to military confrontation and to implement the provisions of paragraph five of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a communication line has been established between the two sides."
Iran also emphasized that, under the agreement, all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz must follow routes announced by Tehran. "Any passage through the strait must be conducted via the routes announced by Iran," the report said.
Background of the MoU and Talks
The development follows the conclusion of the initial round of technical talks as part of the MoU aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia between the US and Iran. The talks were held in Switzerland, with both sides agreeing to establish a High-Level Committee and a roadmap towards a final agreement within 60 days.
According to the joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan after the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland's Burgenstock, the parties agreed to establish a direct communication line during the 60-day negotiation period. The statement read: "In addition, a communication line between the parties has been formed for the period mentioned in paragraph 5 of the MoU to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz."
US Confirmation and Arrangements
On Thursday, US Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation in Switzerland, stated that the US and Iran had agreed to set up a direct deconfliction channel with military representatives from both countries. The arrangement involves representatives from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the US Army's Central Command (CENTCOM) being stationed in Doha, Qatar.
