Tehran, Iran – Iran has reaffirmed its control over the Strait of Hormuz following a recent escalation of military conflicts that incited a furious response from US President Donald Trump. During a NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, 2026, Trump condemned Iranian leaders, labeling them as "sick" and "scum" after drone strikes targeted several vessels in the strategic waterway.
The US military retaliated with airstrikes on southern Iran, claiming to have executed operations that were 20 times more intense than Iran's attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iranian military responded by targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, while also shooting down a US drone.
US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding Under Strain
The ongoing tensions have led Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accuse the US of breaching the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed the previous month, which aimed to halt military operations and respect territorial sovereignty. Iran criticized the US Department of the Treasury for rescinding waivers that had allowed Iran to export oil.
This waiver had provided Iran with crucial financial relief, marking the only immediate benefit of the MoU. Previously, in late June, similar incidents arose as Iran attempted to obstruct tanker traffic along a US-supported route near Oman, yet the US had not revoked temporary sanctions waivers at that time.
Disputed Interpretations of MoU Article 5
At the center of the conflict is a disagreement over Article 5 of the MoU, which stipulates that Iran would facilitate the passage of commercial vessels from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman for 60 days. Iranian officials assert that this clause grants them authority over traffic management in the strait.
Ebrahim Azizi, a spokesman for Iran’s Commission on National Security and Foreign Policy, stated, "Recognise the new and Iranian order in the Strait of Hormuz". In contrast, the US interprets this article as a responsibility for Iran to ensure transit safety without granting it control over who navigates the strait.
Future Negotiations Uncertain Amid Rising Hostilities
While Trump expressed skepticism regarding a negotiated resolution with Iran, he did not entirely dismiss the possibility of further discussions. He mentioned that his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are willing to engage in negotiations.
However, no talks are anticipated until after the week-long funeral ceremonies for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the onset of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28, 2026. Khamenei's remains were transported to Iraq for ceremonies before being interred in Mashhad.
President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized US foreign policy, likening it to a pattern of manipulation and bullying. He declared, "Iran rejects such games. We stand firmly for our rights." Hardliners in Iran continue to oppose the MoU, viewing it as a detrimental agreement with the US.
In a statement, Mahmoud Nabavian, a hardline cleric, remarked that the recent attacks demonstrate the futility of trusting the US government. Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei warned that the US would sabotage any potential agreement, emphasizing the need for retribution against Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
