Iran Furious Over Fresh US Strikes in Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Retaliatory Attack
Iran has reacted with fury to the latest American strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of violating a ceasefire agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the fresh attacks on Tuesday constitute proof of repeated violations of the memorandum of understanding by the US and asserted that Tehran will take decisive steps in response. “Iran conveys a stern warning regarding the consequences of America’s violation of the agreement and will take decisive steps to protect its national interests and security,” read a ministry statement uploaded to Telegram by IRIB News. Iranian officials claim the US breached Article 10 of the memorandum of understanding by revoking temporary exemptions on sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry condemned the move by the US Treasury Department, calling it a “clear violation” of the memorandum signed on 18 June. The ministry stated that the latest strikes in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate “bad faith” and prove that the US government cannot be trusted. The US had just announced the new strikes in the Strait of Hormuz region. The attack occurred after Iran reportedly fired missiles at several commercial vessels transiting the strait. “This US strike is a response to Iran’s attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and is intended to impose severe consequences for the actions of targeting and attacking commercial shipping,” a US Central Command statement said. “The aggression demonstrated by Iran is unjustifiable, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” it added. The strikes took place on Tuesday evening local time. Iranian state media reported a series of explosions heard in several areas of the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement from the American military. IRIB news agency reported six explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, seven in the city of Sirik, and more blasts were heard in the major port city of Bandar Abbas.