Iran Calls US War-End MOU ‘Historic,’ but Strait of Hormuz Clash Lies Ahead

Despite a ‘historic agreement’ between the US and Iran

A battle over Strait of Hormuz transit 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 issue of passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved after Iran indicated it intends to keep control over 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 called it “a historic document and a message from a strong Iran.” Peace, he wrote, “will be achieved under the shadow of mutual respect.”

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

The MOU includes a halt to fighting on all fronts and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It also covers the lifting of the US maritime blockade on Iran and the start of follow-up negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief.

The main sticking point is the Strait of Hormuz. Under the MOU, Iran agreed to guarantee free passage through the strait for 60 days while follow-up negotiations proceed. But the document does not specify how shipping will be handled after that period or who will control the process.

The US wants the follow-up talks to preserve toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, by contrast, has reportedly considered charging vessels fees on the grounds that it provides various services to ships transiting the strait.

A report by Iran’s state broadcaster added to the dispute. Even after the MOU was signed, it said vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would still need to coordinate with the navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC. That suggests Iran agreed to reopen the waterway while seeking to retain operational authority over traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy markets. Crude from Gulf oil producers and liquefied natural gas from Qatar pass through the channel on their way to international markets. Any instability in transit arrangements could affect energy prices and shipping flows.

Iran also moved to manage ties 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 countries in the Gulf was important to clear up misunderstandings and strengthen regional relations.

Kuwait is also linked to areas targeted during the conflict. During its military confrontation 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 talks. Switzerland’s foreign ministry said the two sides are scheduled to hold their first meeting on June 19 in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, to discuss implementation of the MOU.

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