politics
US and Iran Agree to Weeklong De-escalation and 60-Day Fee-Free Passage in Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran reached a weeklong de-escalation agreement in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. The pause supports indirect technical talks in Qatar while both sides maintain conflicting positions on waterway control and fees.
thehindu.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
The United States and Iran agreed Sunday to a weeklong de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, New York Post reported. A US official confirmed the agreement to the outlet. The arrangement seeks to maintain calm for technical teams negotiating indirectly in Qatar.
It also aligns with funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei held Friday, Saturday and Monday. Tensions had risen after Iran struck a ship near Oman last week. The US responded with attacks on Iranian missile and drone storage sites along the strait.
The US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed June 17 requires Iran to use best efforts for safe commercial passage without charge for 60 days. It also calls for Iran to work with Oman on future administration and maritime services. Iran insists it holds authority to regulate traffic and seeks transit fees once interim arrangements end.
The Trump administration rejects any Iranian claim, describing the strait as an international waterway. IRGC-affiliated Fars News reported Monday that the MOU text was amended to emphasize Iranian-Omani sovereignty. It added that the term maritime services signals US acceptance of fees paid to Iran.
President Trump has rejected any notion of Tehran collecting tolls or fees, as occurred before the war began February 28. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Tehran would not back down from its view even if it led to renewed confrontation. The official stated Iran is prepared to impose its demands through force if no agreement is reached.
