Iran and Oman, both coastal nations of the Strait of Hormuz, held their first joint committee meeting on the strait, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced via X on June 29 (local time).

Deputy Minister Gharibabadi stated, "During this meeting, the two countries exchanged views on future management plans for the Strait of Hormuz, based on the sovereignty of Gulf coastal states and the interim agreement signed between the United States and Iran earlier this month."

Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently signed by the U.S. and Iran includes a provision stating that "Iran will take all possible measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels."

Based on this, Iran claims that exclusive authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz has been granted to them, and maintains that after the 60-day follow-up negotiation period with the U.S. concludes, it may impose fees under the pretext of providing services to vessels passing through the strait.

Furthermore, as an extension of this logic, Iran argues that merchant ships should use the routes designated by Iran instead of the coastal routes off Oman supported by the U.S.

On the other hand, the U.S. emphasizes that under international customary law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, there is a right of transit passage for free navigation in international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

The difference in interpretation of these MOU clauses between the two countries has even led to the recurrence of military clashes following the initial agreement.

Amid this situation, Oman, another coastal nation of the Strait of Hormuz, has maintained the position that no transit fees will be imposed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)