Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that the passage of vessels through the strategic strait will be ensured under "new procedures" following the suspension of a short-term U.S. military operation intended to assist ships navigating the waterway. This was reported by CNN, according to UNN.
Details
As the publication notes, this is likely Tehran's first reaction to Washington's decision to suspend "Project Freedom" — an operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which had been under blockade during the war.
The U.S. launched the mission on Sunday but suspended it as early as Tuesday, citing progress in peace negotiations.
The Iranian statement did not specify exactly what the "new procedures" entail; however, it thanked captains and shipowners in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea for their cooperation during the passage through the strait "in accordance with Iranian rules."
Iran has previously stated its intention to establish control over the passage of vessels through the strait and to charge fees for safe passage, which drew criticism from the international community.
At the same time, analysts warn that Tehran's hardline stance could jeopardize new diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
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