Strait of Hormuz control remains with Iran amid accord dispute

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps is maintaining its control over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting on naval coordination for all vessels passing through the crucial waterway. This stance persists despite an alleged agreement with the United States aimed at reopening the strait and lifting a U.S. naval blockade.

According to Iranian state television reports, the requirement for coordination with the navy remains in effect. This development comes after Iran and the U.S. reportedly reached a 14-point accord mediated by Pakistan on June 14. The agreement, dubbed the Islamabad Accord, was digitally signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump on June 18, with provisions for ending the conflict, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting U.S. maritime sanctions on Iran.

However, the situation remains tense. The Tesnim News Agency reported that Iran views Israel's attacks on Lebanon as a violation of the accord. Consequently, Iran believes the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed until these attacks cease. This suggests a significant divergence between the stated terms of the agreement and Iran's current actions and justifications.

The accord was expected to initiate a 60-day negotiation period on issues such as Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. The continued assertion of control over the Strait of Hormuz by the Revolutionary Guard Corps raises questions about the full implementation and adherence to the terms of the Islamabad Accord by all parties involved.