Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bakir Kalibaf, stated that Tehran had agreed to set up a hotline for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with the aim of reducing tensions and enabling a rapid response to incidents in this strategic waterway.
Speaking to journalists on board the aircraft, Kalibaf noted: “Problems may arise in the Strait of Hormuz; therefore, we have agreed to set up a centre and a hotline so that, over a 30-day period, should any problems arise, we can resolve them more quickly.”
“This hotline is not intended to grant authorisations; authorisations are granted in accordance with our own established procedures. This hotline is intended solely for resolving issues relating to vessels or clarifying any possible incidents,” he said, adding that “Iran is in charge of the Strait, and we will resolve any issues.”
Earlier, the mediators – Qatar and Pakistan – announced that Iran and the US had agreed to establish direct channels of communication aimed at helping to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe.
On 18 June, the US and Iran signed a memorandum, following which the Strait of Hormuz was reopened to shipping. Two days later, on 20 June, Iran’s military leadership announced that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz once again due to Israeli strikes on Lebanon. US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated on 22 June that the strait had been reopened.
Before the war between the US and Iran, a fifth of the world’s oil supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result of the war, prices for Brent crude rose to $120 per barrel. Following the reopening of the strait, prices fell below $80 per barrel, and remained at this level on the morning of 23 June.