Svmuu News: According to two high-ranking Iranian sources, Iran is determined to secure international recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz and its right to levy fees on ships entering and exiting the Gulf, even if it means resorting to force. Under an interim agreement reached this month with the United States aimed at ending three months of conflict between the two sides, Iran agreed to allow ships to pass through the strait free of charge for 60 days. However, Iran believes the wording of the agreement allows it to continue controlling which ships may pass through and their routes within this narrow waterway.
Sources say Iran is also determined to secure long-term, formal recognition of this control once the interim agreement expires; until consensus is reached on this issue, its negotiators will not move on to other contentious issues in the peace talks with Washington. (Jin Shi)