Tensions Rise Over Hormuz Strait Agreement as US and Iran Clash on Key Clause

Iranian state television denied reports of multiple explosions across the country on Thursday evening, following claims by the regime-affiliated Mehr news agency of nearly ten blasts amid heightened regional tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump that evening as part of ongoing communications, with the Prime Minister's office stating Trump updated Netanyahu on American actions in the Gulf. Despite the US-Iran exchanges, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir affirmed Israel’s readiness to resume military operations.

Iranian news agency IRNA attributed explosions near Bushehr to air defense activity, while Iranian officials claimed attacks on military sites by an "American-Zionist enemy." However, a senior US official told Al Jazeera no American strikes had occurred recently. President Trump remained publicly silent for over half a day after returning to Washington from NATO talks in Turkey, with his last social media post at 04:39 Israel time and a scheduled intelligence briefing later that evening.

Iran launched over ten missiles toward Jordan and numerous drones and missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain, claiming attacks on four countries including Qatar, which denied any assault. Jordan intercepted eight missiles targeting a US-used airbase, and Kuwait reported intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles with minor injuries and damage. Bahrain also intercepted several projectiles near the US Fifth Fleet base.

The core dispute lies in Clause 5 of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran intended to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The clause mandates Iran to ensure safe passage of commercial vessels without fees for 60 days and to coordinate with Oman on future maritime management. US officials viewed this as key to reopening the strait, but hardliners in Iran interpret it as granting them exclusive control, demanding Revolutionary Guard approval for all transit.

This divergent interpretation has left the US and Iran "on different planets," according to a US official, with the agreement’s wording notably silent on US responsibilities for ensuring safe passage. Shipping traffic through Hormuz has dropped sharply since the conflict began, from over 100 vessels daily pre-war to 25 the previous day. The standoff over Clause 5 remains a significant obstacle to de-escalation in the Gulf region.