Disputed Article 5 Drives Hormuz Tensions as Shipping and Strikes Escalate

Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz have intensified as Iran and the US accuse each other of violating Article 5 of their MoU, which aims to reopen the strait with safe, toll-free passage for ships for 60 days and calls for demining within 30 days. Iran has asserted control over the strait for the initial period, while the US and Gulf partners seek to maintain open shipping routes, leading to a cycle of attacks on vessels and retaliatory strikes. Analysts say the disagreement centers on how to interpret the MoU, offering a potential path to de-escalation if both sides align on terms.