Iran-US communication line in Hormuz political, not military; transit rules unchanged: Source

A security source has confirmed the establishment of a communication line between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the channel is purely political in nature and does not involve a direct military hotline from the Islamic Republic's armed forces.

The source told Press TV on condition of anonymity that while a communication link has been set up, it is not a military coordination line.

“This is a political communication channel and does not include a direct line from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic,” the source explained.

The confirmation comes a day after the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Hossein Mohebi denied reports of a contact line with the United States.

The security source emphasized Iran’s territorial rights in the Strait of Hormuz and stressed that the establishment of the communication line does not imply any coordination with the United States regarding the passage of vessels through the strategic waterway.

Exclusive: Iran-US communication line established in Strait of Hormuz to prevent military incidents

A communication line has been established between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Any transit through the strait must be conducted via routes officially declared by Iran,” the source added.

The communication line is understood to be part of broader efforts to prevent incidents in the strategic waterway, through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes.

The US and Iran exchanged fire again on Friday and Saturday after commercial vessels sailing outside a route designated route by Iran were targeted. Tehran rejected allegations that it was behind the attacks.

The development follows a US-Iran interim agreement signed on June 18, which included provisions for the safe passage of commercial vessels through Hormuz.

Article 5 of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding also provides for talks between Iran and Oman to define the future administration of the strait and maritime services in line with international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states.

Iran has repeatedly asserted its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Friday that “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes or decision-making that does not take Iran's role as a coastal state into account.”

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