Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has rejected US claims that Tehran and Washington established a direct communication line regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The denial contradicts earlier reports suggesting both sides had agreed to a military de-escalation mechanism.
The IRGC said no direct communication channel exists between Iran and the United States concerning security arrangements in the strategic waterway. Consequently, the statement cast doubt on reports describing a new hotline to prevent military incidents.
Earlier, US officials said the two countries had agreed to establish a communication mechanism following talks in Switzerland. Reports also suggested the arrangement aimed to reduce tensions and prevent misunderstandings in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media had previously reported that Pakistan and Qatar confirmed the communication line in the final statement issued after the Switzerland negotiations. According to those reports, the mechanism was intended to implement Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
However, the IRGC dismissed those claims and denied any direct military coordination with Washington. The force did not provide further details explaining the contradiction between its position and the earlier state media reports.
The conflicting statements emerged as Iran and the United States continue implementing a preliminary understanding reached through Pakistani and Qatari mediation. The agreement includes measures to reduce hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and establish temporary maritime transit arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of regional tensions because it carries a significant share of global oil exports. Therefore, uncertainty surrounding communication mechanisms between both countries continues to attract international attention.
Officials from both sides have yet to clarify the differing accounts regarding the reported hotline. Meanwhile, observers expect further statements to determine whether an alternative de-escalation mechanism remains under discussion despite the IRGC’s denial.
