Why is Article 5 of MoU causing confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz?

The control of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a cycle of tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and the United States, threatening to push their fragile memorandum of understanding (MoU) to a breaking point. Both sides blamed each other as they justified the weekend exchanges – the first since the MoU was signed on June 15. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list The two sides also accused the other of violating the terms of the MoU, including Article 5, which calls for safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The fighting has erupted over control of the narrow waterway, which Tehran has used as geostrategic leverage at the negotiating table. Iran’s de facto blockade of the strait, through which a fifth of global oil supplies passed before the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28, triggered a global energy crisis. The interim agreement between Iran and the US calls for the opening of the strait, but Tehran has pushed back against Washington’s attempt to create alternative routes closer to the Omani side of the waterway. The latest escalation began on Friday when a ship trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz was hit by a projectile. The US hit Iran in response although Iran never claimed the attack. …