Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of violating provisions within the Strait of Hormuz post-war memorandum of understanding. The dispute centers on Article 5 of the agreement, which dictates Iran's responsibility for restoring navigation through the waterway.
Under Article 5, Iran was tasked with taking necessary measures to reopen the Strait within one month. These measures included establishing specific shipping routes and conducting mine-clearing operations.
The original agreement stipulated that navigation-related services would be provided free of charge for a period of 60 days. Following this window, Iran and Oman were scheduled to negotiate a long-term framework for managing the Strait's maritime services.
Araghchi alleged that the U.S. ignored these terms by establishing an independent southern shipping corridor before the one-month implementation period had expired.
Tehran maintained that its designated routes were chosen based on security and navigational safety considerations while mine-clearing operations remained active.
Despite there being two weeks remaining before the agreed deadline, an alternative route was introduced approximately 10 days after the reopening of the strait.
Tehran issued warnings to Washington regarding these actions through a direct communication line established in Switzerland, as well as via mediators in Qatar and Pakistan. Araghchi personally conveyed these messages through both channels.
Maritime communications encouraged ships to bypass the Iranian-designated route in favor of a southern corridor, which was described as both slower and riskier.
Araghchi concluded that it was ultimately the United States that violated the established agreement.
The tension follows a July 8 announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that the ceasefire outlined in the Islamabad MoU was no longer in effect.
Following the U.S. presidential announcement, both nations have engaged in reciprocal strikes: Washington targeting sites within Iran's borders, and Iran striking U.S. military facilities and equipment across several countries.
Regarding relations with Arab nations following the 40-day war, Araghchi acknowledged existing tensions but noted a growing regional willingness to rebuild trust.
Tehran has maintained constant contact with neighboring countries to explain that its military actions were intended as responses to attacks.
The Iranian minister expressed grievances regarding the use of facilities in various regional countries by U.S. forces during the conflict.
Araghchi noted an increasing recognition among regional governments that security and stability must be achieved through collective efforts.
He argued that the presence of foreign military bases does not inherently enhance security and can, in fact, become a source of insecurity.
Regarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Araghchi stated that the Yemen conflict should be viewed as a long-standing regional issue involving Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and other neighbors rather than through the lens of Iran.
He reiterated that there is no military solution to the crisis in Yemen and urged direct dialogue between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, as well as among various Yemeni parties.
Tehran continues to advocate for diplomacy, hoping current tensions will not further complicate the situation in Yemen.