▲ Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran, which had narrowly avoided a return to all-out war by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities, have clashed again over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
While neither country has announced an intention to scrap the ceasefire MOU, suggesting that diplomatic communication is likely to continue, the latest events are seen as a reaffirmation of the fragility of the agreement that has been raised since its signing.
There are concerns that the ongoing skirmishes near the Strait of Hormuz could hinder the already difficult working-level talks for a permanent peace.
The U.S. and Iran exchanged airstrikes over two days starting July 7, local time, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on social media platform X that it had struck more than 80 targets in Iran.
CENTCOM stated that the airstrikes were a response to Iran's attacks on three merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on July 6 and 7.
"These unjustified attacks by Iranian forces are a clear and dangerous violation of the ceasefire and undermine the freedom of navigation," CENTCOM claimed.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that it was revoking a 60-day temporary general license issued on June 21, which had allowed for the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil.
This effectively nullifies the sanctions waiver on Iranian oil sales, which was a key component of the ceasefire MOU.
The authorization of Iranian oil sales was considered a core economic benefit that Iran gained through the signing of the MOU.
Iran responded immediately.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on July 8 that it had struck 85 U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The Iranian military also claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 drone on the same day.
Following this, Iran carried out additional attacks targeting Bahrain.
AFP reported on the morning of July 8 that a third air raid siren had been sounded in Bahrain and that explosions were heard once again.
The cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation between the two countries over control of the Strait of Hormuz appears to have resurfaced.
The two nations also engaged in military clashes over two days on June 26, just nine days after the formal signing of the ceasefire MOU.
The primary cause of the renewed conflict is the issue of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which was vaguely defined in the MOU.
Article 5 of the MOU states that "Iran will take all possible measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels."
Based on this phrasing, Iran claims that it holds the authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, to exercise this control, Iran has been forcing vessels to use routes designated by Tehran instead of the routes suggested by the U.S. near Oman.
Even during the war, Iran had already used its power to potentially block the Strait of Hormuz—a major transport route for crude oil and natural gas—as leverage and a deterrent in peace negotiations.
The U.S. rejects this compromise, maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway where free passage is guaranteed under international law.
Washington argues that Iran has no authority to exercise control over the waterway.
Security experts point out that the arbitrary interpretations by both countries are increasingly highlighting the fragility of the provisional agreement.
As uncertainty in the Middle East grows once again, oil prices are surging.
As of this day, Brent crude for August delivery is trading at 76.56 dollars per barrel, up 3.2%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for August delivery is trading at 72.70 dollars, also up 3.2%.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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