Iran, United States Activate Direct Communication Line to Avert Potential Hormuz Incidents

Iranian state television announced Friday the establishment of a direct communication line with the United States to prevent incidents potentially leading to military confrontation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The same source affirmed this line's activation implements Article V of the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the U.S. In a related context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry declared Friday that "safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed without respecting Iran's sovereignty," cautioning that vessels using parallel routes risk danger. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated via "X" that "any framework for strait transit must be coordinated with Iran, or the current approach will be suspended." The Foreign Ministry emphasized managing the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Sultanate of Oman, as stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding. It asserted "regional security is only achievable through cooperation among its states without foreign interference." Maritime traffic continued in both directions through the Strait of Hormuz Friday, despite reports of an attack targeting a container ship during its transit of this vital waterway, prompting at least one Asia-based company to reassess its sailing plans and withdraw from the region.