Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied US claims that a direct communication line had been established between Tehran and Washington regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
“Following claims by US officials that a direct communication line has been established between Iran and the US regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we declare that this is a complete lie and strongly deny it,” IRGC spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi said in a statement on Friday, cited by Iran’s official news agency IRNA.
“This has not happened and will not happen,” Mohbi added.
“The Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and has no connection to the United States,” he said.
Meanwhile, state-run Press TV reported earlier that "according to the final statement of the talks in Switzerland issued by the two mediators... a communication line has been established between the two sides."
The line was established "to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz that might lead to military confrontation" and to implement the provisions of Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, it added.
The development comes amid disputes over navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has said vessels must use designated routes and coordinate with Iranian authorities for passage.
Tehran and Washington reached an understanding under Pakistani and Qatari mediation, with the agreement entering into force on June 18.
The deal includes provisions on ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and setting temporary arrangements for maritime transit through the waterway.
