Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss regional and international developments. They reviewed the latest updates on the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, emphasizing efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.
Both leaders highlighted the significance of ensuring freedom of navigation and supporting diplomatic initiatives to reduce tensions. Additionally, they talked about bilateral cooperation and shared perspectives on various regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, aimed at resolving their prolonged conflict, was signed on June 17. Despite this, both nations have experienced intermittent confrontations. The United States and Iran have agreed to temporarily halt mutual attacks and engage in discussions in Doha to address their disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz.
Technical talks are ongoing as vessels are allowed to move freely for the time being. Originally planned in Switzerland to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, the talks shifted to Doha due to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, concentrating on maritime security in the vital waterway.
Recent negotiations in Switzerland led to an agreement between the US military and Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps to establish a communication “hotline” for coordinating traffic in the strait. However, the hotline was not operational as of the latest report.
Following alleged Iranian aggression against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States conducted strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory actions from Iran against US military positions in the region.
