Iran: Hormuz passage not guaranteed without Tehran coordination
Iran has pushed back against the US-GCC call for “free, unconditional” navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that safe passage cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements or parallel routes without Tehran’s consent. Any credible framework must be based on coordination with Iran under Article 5 of the Islamabad memorandum.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Friday that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under “ambiguous arrangements” or parallel routes devised outside Tehran’s considerations as a coastal state. Any credible framework for maritime transit must be based on coordination with Tehran and in line with Article 5 of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding with the US, Gharibabadi wrote on X.
Parallel routes and suspension warning
“Safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed with ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes, or decision-making outside Iran’s considerations as a coastal state,” he added. He warned that failing to meet these conditions would result in the suspension of any designated parallel route. Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the strait lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and that shipping management would be governed by Article 5 of the memorandum.
Response to US-GCC statement
The ministry’s statement was issued in response to a joint US-GCC communique that called for reopening the strait and stressed “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation,” while rejecting tolls or control attempts. The Islamabad Memorandum entered into force on June 18 after being signed electronically by both presidents.
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