Iranian state media reported on Friday that Iran and the United States have established a direct communication line to prevent military incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. The hotline aims to reduce tensions and avoid confrontations in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.
Press TV said the agreement followed talks in Switzerland and was confirmed in the final statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar, the two mediators. According to the report, the communication channel will help implement Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The development comes as disagreements continue over navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran insists that vessels must follow designated shipping routes and coordinate with Iranian authorities before passing through the waterway.
Earlier, Tehran reaffirmed its authority over shipping in the strait and warned Gulf states against supporting the United States. The statement followed an attack on a vessel near Oman that exposed the fragile nature of the preliminary agreement aimed at ending the recent Iran conflict.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi criticized a joint statement issued by the United States and six Gulf states. He argued that safe navigation cannot be guaranteed through arrangements that ignore Iran’s position as a coastal state.
Meanwhile, oil prices declined further despite the interim understanding between Washington and Tehran. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz also remained below normal levels, although the route handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Saudi Aramco resumed crude oil loadings at its Ras Tanura terminal after a suspension lasting almost four months. Additionally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian attempt to threaten shipping would trigger serious consequences. The United States and Gulf Cooperation Council also demanded unrestricted navigation without tolls or unilateral control.
