Iran has made it clear that it will not establish direct communication with US military officials regarding the Strait of Hormuz, despite a proposal from Washington aimed at reducing tensions in the strategically important waterway.
Hossein Mohebi, spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that claims of a direct line between the two nations are completely false.
Mohebi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and has no connection to the United States. His comments come in the wake of recent exchanges of fire between US and Iranian forces, which occurred after commercial vessels were targeted by unidentified attackers.
The situation has escalated, with both sides engaging in military actions over the weekend.
Vice President JD Vance mentioned a potential communication channel on the Iranian side to help reduce conflict in the Gulf.
He implied that direct military-to-military communications had been agreed upon during discussions in Switzerland, stating, “They [Iran] were like, ‘OK, fine, we’ll send somebody from the IRGC to go hang out in Doha with somebody from CENTCOM.’” This statement suggests a willingness from Iran to engage in some form of dialogue, albeit indirectly.
Iranian state media reported that a communication line had been established to prevent incidents that could escalate military tensions. This line aims to facilitate the resumption of commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, following significant disruptions due to military actions since February.
The report also indicated that Iran and Oman would collaborate on future management and maritime services in the Strait.
Recent clashes included an attack on the Singapore-flagged container ship, Ever Lovely, which was struck by an unknown projectile while navigating a route recommended by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). In response, the US Central Command targeted Iranian military facilities along the southern coastline, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
Following these incidents, the UK Maritime Trade Operations raised the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz to “substantial.” Iran has insisted that vessels must adhere to routes designated by its armed forces or face potential targeting, further complicating the already tense maritime security situation in the region.
