Iran accuses US of MoU breaches, vows ‘crushing response’ to airstrikes

WEB DESK: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has accused the United States of committing major violations of the recently signed bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), declaring that Washington’s policy of pressure will fail to alter Tehran’s strategic resolve.

The statements followed a series of military actions and diplomatic disputes that have strained the Pakistan-brokered accord signed on July 17. The 14-point agreement had established a framework to end hostilities across multiple fronts and initiated a 60-day window to negotiate a permanent settlement.

Under the terms, Iran had agreed to restore commercial shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, while both nations committed to cross-front de-escalation.

Alleged breaches of the accord

Taking to social media platform X, Qalibaf outlined four specific areas where he asserted the US had violated its commitments.

These included Washington’s interference with Iranian maritime adjustments in the Strait of Hormuz, the reinstatement of unilateral oil sanctions, direct military strikes on southern Iran, and the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

The diplomatic row intensified as Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi separately noted that Washington had repeatedly breached Articles 1 and 2 of the MoU over the preceding three weeks.

Gharibabadi cited both the ongoing regional military activity in Lebanon and official statements originating from Washington as evidence of non-compliance, warning that Tehran would implement measures to protect its national security.

Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz

The political statements coincided with a sharp escalation in military activity in the Gulf region. Residents in Iran’s southern Hormozgan Province reported multiple explosions near Sirik County and Qeshm Island.

Concurrently, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had executed a series of airstrikes inside Iran, striking more than 80 targets.

In response to the developments, Iran’s top military command, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced that the armed forces would deliver a counter-response to the airstrikes.

Military officials stated that Iran would maintain administration over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that maritime transit through the waterway must follow the protocols designated by Tehran.

Iran had previously restricted access through the strait following a naval blockade of its ports, maintaining its right to exercise sovereignty over the maritime corridor under international law.