Iran has announced the establishment of a temporary safe maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, as communicated by its embassy in the UK on July 13. This move is part of Tehran’s assertion of control over the strait, referencing the Islamabad memorandum, a ceasefire agreement with the US. Both nations have exchanged accusations regarding disruptions in shipping within this critical waterway.
The Iranian embassy emphasized that this corridor is free from military and technical barriers and has been officially communicated to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through notice S14/2026. The embassy criticized the US for allegedly violating the memorandum and steering vessels towards a perilous route near Oman, which they deem legally questionable and hazardous.
Iran’s statement follows a recent surge in tensions, during which it declared the strait closed and retaliated against US bases in the Gulf. The US Central Command has reported targeting numerous Iranian sites, with both sides claiming control over the waterway, essential for global oil and gas trade.
Under the terms of the 60-day memorandum signed in June, Iran and Oman are expected to collaborate on traffic management in the strait. However, recent talks in Muscat failed to establish a safe passage mechanism, with Iran citing US military actions as a significant impediment.
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