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An Iranian official said that the IRGC would attack ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran’s approval.
“Any failure to comply, deviation from the designated route, or disregard for the navigation protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with an immediate and forceful response from the armed forces,” The Iranian military said Thursday.
Iran is demanding that all ships transiting the Strait use routes approved by Iran. Those vessels must receive approval from Tehran. Before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Iran was requiring some vessels to pay transit fees. Under the MOU, Tehran agreed to lift tolls for 60 days.
Negotiations between the US and Iran are at an impasse over the future of the Strait. Tehran is demanding that Washington recognize that the Strait falls within Iranian and Omani territorial waters. Tehran plans to establish a joint tolling system with Muscat.
The US wants Iran to relinquish its claim to the Strait.
If the two sides are unable to reach a negotiated settlement, President Donald Trump could restart the war against Iran in an attempt to strip Tehran of its control over the Strait.
Last week, Washington and Muscat announced a new shipping lane through Oman’s half of the Strait. Iran attacked multiple cargo ships attempting to use the lanes, igniting three days of fighting with the US. On Sunday, the US agreed to pause attacks on Iran for a week.
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