A dispute over Article 5 of the United States-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) has intensified tensions between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement after fresh exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz.
Article 5 of the interim agreement guarantees the safe passage of commercial shipping through the strategically vital waterway, a route that previously carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies.
The latest escalation began after a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile on Friday. The United States responded with military strikes on Iranian targets, although Iran did not claim responsibility for the attack.
Washington and Tehran have since traded accusations, each claiming the other breached the MoU and undermined efforts to maintain maritime security.
The dispute also centres on differing interpretations of the agreement. While the US has pushed to establish alternative shipping routes closer to Oman, Iran has opposed the move, arguing it weakens its strategic role in the strait.
The renewed confrontation has raised concerns over the future of the fragile US-Iran agreement, with analysts warning that continued military exchanges could jeopardise ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional stability.
