After negotiations between the United States and Iran in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on the 23rd local time, Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now open to commercial vessels free of charge. However, regarding whether Iran accepts inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the US and Iran gave different accounts. Meanwhile, a new round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel has started in Washington, D.C. As US-Iran negotiations progress, differences between the United States and Israel over the Lebanon issue are becoming increasingly apparent.
Iranian Representative: Strait of Hormuz Now Open Free of Charge
On June 23 local time, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is “working to reach a fair deal with Iran” to end the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that just the previous day (June 22), 19 million barrels of oil had been transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
On the same day, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ali Bahreini, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now open for 60 days, during which no fees will be charged. Iran and the US have decided to establish a communication mechanism on this issue to monitor and resolve any problems that may arise. After 60 days, the specific conditions of the Strait’s opening will be determined by the outcome of negotiations between Iran and the US.
Iran and Oman to Coordinate Future Navigation Management of the Strait
Oman Coordinates with International Maritime Organization to Open Temporary Channel in the Strait
Oman and Iran issued a joint statement on the 23rd, stating that as littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz, Oman and Iran reaffirm their commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with applicable international law.
Both sides stated they will continue dialogue on the Strait of Hormuz issue through a joint working group established between their foreign ministries, aiming to reach agreement on a future navigation management mechanism for the Strait, related service arrangements, and fee standards, and to ensure that relevant arrangements comply with international standards.
In the early hours of the 24th, Oman issued a statement saying that Oman has coordinated with the International Maritime Organization to open a temporary maritime channel in the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels.
International Maritime Organization Announces Plan
To Evacuate Over 11,000 Seafarers Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated in a declaration on the 23rd that the IMO will work closely with regional littoral states including Iran and Oman, the United States, and the international shipping industry to evacuate over 11,000 seafarers currently still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz region.
US and Iran Disagree on IAEA Inspection of Nuclear Facilities
Regarding whether Iran accepts inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the US and Iran give different accounts.
On the 23rd local time, Trump posted on social media, claiming that Iran has “fully and completely agreed to accept the highest level of inspections” without any time limit. “This will ensure ‘nuclear integrity.’ If they do not agree to this, there will be no further negotiations.”
On the same day, Trump again stated that Iran had agreed to IAEA inspections, saying Iran’s previous statements on the IAEA inspection issue were incorrect. He reiterated that Iran has agreed to accept inspections, and the US is “100 percent sure” that Iran has agreed to the relevant arrangements.
Regarding when IAEA inspectors would enter Iran, Trump did not provide a specific timetable, only stating it would happen at an “appropriate time” and that there was “no need to rush.”
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated earlier on the 23rd at a press conference that there are currently no plans for IAEA inspectors to visit Iran’s damaged nuclear facilities.
Source: Yicai
