U.S. President Donald Trump has launched strikes on Iran, notifying the U.S. Government that military action has restarted.
On Truth Social, Trump also declared the U.S. as the “guardians of the Strait of Hormuz”, adding that the U.S.will charge a toll on ships passing through.
It comes after strikes exchanged between Iran and the U.S. haveescalated in the past week, withTrump recently saying the ceasefire deal, signed in June, is “over”.
Let’s get caught up.
Background
The U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on 28 February, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
These strikes came after negotiations between the countries broke down over the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran responded with retaliatory strikes on U.S-linked defence sites.
Throughout the conflict, the global oil supply chain was significantly disrupted due to blockages of the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest oil shipping channels. In March, Iran blocked the Strait, causing oil prices to significantly increase.
While no single country officially controls the Strait, both the U.S. and Iran have attempted to control access to it throughout this conflict.
Ceasefire
On 17 June, a peace agreement was signed, which included a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) detailing the conditions of the ceasefire.
The MoU included the reopening of the Strait without tolls, and a 60-day negotiation process to create a more permanent deal.
The aim of the more permanent deal was to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and lift all sanctions (e.g. financial restrictions and travel bans).
The 60-day negotiation process was due to end in mid-August.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Declaration
Last week, strikes began escalating.Trump said Iran had struck several “neutral-flagged commercial vessels” in the Strait.
On Monday, Trump sent Congress a letter notifying it that hostilities with Iran had resumed.
In the U.S, presidents are meant toconsult with Congress before taking military action (although this interpretation of the law has often been disputed). Trump did not tell Congress before launching the strikes.
On Monday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), part of the Department of War, said they will resume blockading traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.
In a social media post on Monday, Trump said the U.S. will be the “guardians of the Strait”, imposing a 20% toll on ships.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a UN agency responsible for safe and secure global shipping. It said: “Passage through the Strait should remain free of any tolls”, in line with international law.
However, it's up to member states to uphold IMO conventions, as it has “no operational mandate”.
Response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, saying “since the signing of the agreement to end the war, the U.S. regime has openly violated almost all components of that agreement”.
Foreign Minister Araghchi said Iran has “always been the guardian” of the Strait.
He added that a 20% toll is “of course too much,” saying that if Iran managed the passage it “will be fair.”
Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, “states bordering straits shall not hamper transit passage.”
Impact
Oil is now at the highest price since the MoU was signed, going back to mid-June prices of $US79 ($AU115) per barrel.
Australia’s tax on petrol was reduced by 32 cents per litre from March to June, and by 16 cents this month. This discount is set to end in August.
