Iran on Wednesday warned of a forceful response following the latest US military strikes, declaring that it would take “decisive actions" to defend its national security while accusing Washington of breaching the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The fresh US attacks were carried out as funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were underway. He was killed in the February 28 strike.
Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of committing several “major violations" of the agreement. In a post on X, he listed what he described as breaches, including “violating Iranian adjustments in the Strait", “persistent threats of further strikes", “reinstating oil sanctions", “attacks on southern Iran" and “continued Zionist aggression" in Lebanon.
He also issued a pointed warning, writing, “The era of bullying and extortion is over. It leads nowhere. We don’t fold."
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also condemned Washington over its decision to revoke the waiver allowing Iranian oil exports and over the latest military strikes.
Writing on X, Gharibabadi said the US measures constituted “blatant violations" of Articles 1, 2 and 10 of the Islamabad MoU between Tehran and Washington.
He further alleged that the United States had repeatedly breached the agreement because of the actions of the “Zionist regime" in Lebanon and threatening statements directed at Iran.
“Iran, while issuing a serious warning regarding the consequences of America’s breach of the agreement, will take decisive actions to safeguard its national interests and security," he said.
Iran’s Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters also denounced the latest US strikes in southern Iran, calling them a “blatant act of aggression". The military said the attacks occurred while the funeral procession for the former supreme leader was taking place in Iraq.
In a statement, it said the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran would deliver a “crushing response" to the US operation.
The military further accused Washington of failing to honour its commitments under the MoU and asserted that Iran would not permit outside interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. “It is reiterated that the only safe passage for commercial ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz is the route designated by the Islamic Republic of Iran," the statement said.
The warning followed reports of multiple strikes across southern Iran, where at least three locations were hit.
On Qeshm Island, the largest island near the Strait of Hormuz, six explosions were reported.
At Sirik Port, overlooking the strategic waterway, between seven and nine strikes were reported. Several people were reportedly injured and taken to a hospital in Minab.
In Bandar Abbas, at least 10 explosions were reported, with several wharfs and a telecommunications tower also said to have been targeted.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had completed the latest operation after striking more than 80 targets with precision-guided munitions.
According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted Iranian air defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites and anti-ship missile capabilities. It also said more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz were struck to reduce Iran’s ability to continue attacks on international commercial shipping.
CENTCOM said the military action was launched in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on Gulf countries including Kuwait and Bahrain.
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