Iran Calls US Peace MOU ‘Historic,’ but Strait of Hormuz Clash Still Looms

Despite a ‘historic’ US-Iran agreement

A fight over Strait of Hormuz access still lies ahead

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the memorandum of understanding signed with the US to end the war a “historic document,” signaling that Washington and Tehran are moving from open conflict to negotiations on a final agreement. But the Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint, with Iran indicating it intends to retain control over passage through the waterway.

AFP reported on June 18 that Pezeshkian posted on social media a photo of the war-ending MOU signed with US President Donald Trump. He described it as “a historic document and a message from a strong Iran,” adding that “peace will be achieved under the shadow of mutual respect.”

The photo showed the signatures of Pezeshkian, Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who acted as mediator. Trump and Pezeshkian signed the MOU a day earlier to end the US-Iran war and begin negotiations on a final agreement.

The MOU calls for a halt in fighting on all fronts and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It also includes lifting the US naval blockade of Iran and starting follow-up talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief.

The main sticking point is Hormuz. Under the MOU, Iran agreed to guarantee free passage through the strait for 60 days while follow-up negotiations continue. The document does not say how transit will be handled after that period or who will control the system.

The US wants the next round of talks to preserve toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, by contrast, has reportedly been considering charging ships passing through the strait under the guise of providing various services.

Iranian state television added to the controversy. The broadcaster said that even after the MOU was signed, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would still need to be coordinated with the navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC. That suggests Iran agreed to reopen the strait while seeking to keep authority over day-to-day transit management.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy markets. Crude from Gulf oil producers and liquefied natural gas from Qatar pass through the waterway on the way to international markets, meaning any change in transit arrangements could affect energy prices and logistics flows.

Iran also moved to manage relations with neighboring countries. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke by phone on June 18 with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In a Telegram post, Araghchi said dialogue with Arab Gulf states was important to clear up misunderstandings and strengthen regional ties.

Kuwait was also connected to areas targeted during the conflict. During the period of military clashes with the US, Iran attacked a US military base in Kuwait. Araghchi said he hoped the peace agreement with Washington would help restore peace and stability in the region.

The US and Iran are preparing for their first follow-up negotiations. Switzerland’s foreign ministry said the two sides will hold their first talks on implementing the MOU in Buergenstock, Switzerland, on June 19.

Kim Dae-young, Hankyung.com reporter kdy@hankyung.com