What is Article 5, due to which war broke out again between America and Iran? Know when and where the next meeting is

After the recent military tension between America and Iran, both the countries have agreed to stop the attacks for the time being. Now it is expected that the next important conversation between the two sides can take place in Qatar. Meanwhile, Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries has emerged as the subject of biggest controversy.

Actually, on June 17, an agreement was reached between America and Iran with the mediation of Pakistan. However, within a few days of the agreement, attacks on each other began in the Persian Gulf, increasing tension in the entire region. Now the question is arising that what is there in Article 5 of this MoU, on which the differences between the two countries are deepening.

What is Article 5 and why is it so important?

Article 5 is related to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world. Under normal circumstances, about 20 percent of the global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes through this sea route. In such a situation, the security and operation of this route is considered very important for the global economy. According to the agreement, Iran had promised to provide safe passage to merchant ships without any transit fees for 60 days.

Additionally, it was also agreed to normalize shipping activities by removing sea mines and other military and technical obstacles within 30 days. Under the MoU, it was also decided that in future, Iran will negotiate with Oman and other coastal countries of the Gulf region regarding the operation, administration and maritime services of the Strait of Hormuz. It also talks about respecting international laws and the rights of coastal countries. However, despite the signing of the agreement, both the countries are not unanimous on the process of its implementation.

What is the real controversy?

Iran says that the responsibility for reopening and operating the Strait of Hormuz falls entirely within its jurisdiction. Tehran wants all commercial ships to use the Northern Shipping Corridor, located off the Iranian coast. Along with this, it has also opposed efforts to develop alternative sea routes near Oman.

On the other hand, in recent times many merchant ships have chosen the southern sea route passing through the coast of Oman instead of the route suggested by Iran. Iran alleges that doing so is against the spirit of the MoU and could affect the process of completely normalizing the strait.

What is America’s stance?

America believes that unilateral surveillance of any one country cannot be accepted. Merchant ships should have the freedom to choose safe and alternative sea routes, so that international maritime trade can continue without any interruption.

Why did tension increase even after the agreement?

Shortly after the agreement, several merchant ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. America held Iran responsible for these incidents and took action against its military bases. In response, Iran targeted US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. After these incidents, many international ships changed their sea routes or stopped their journey midway, which affected global maritime trade. Iran termed the American action as a violation of the United Nations Charter and Memorandum of Understanding, after which the tension between the two countries increased further.

Now where will the next conversation take place?

According to media reports, both the countries have agreed to stop attacks on each other for the time being. The report quoted a senior American official as claiming that new talks could be held between the two sides in Qatar on Tuesday to resolve the ongoing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.