Iran has accused the United States of carrying out a “serious violation” of the current ceasefire after fresh air strikes were launched across parts of the country over the last two days.
According to the US Central Command (Centcom), the attacks targeted Iranian missile facilities and boats allegedly preparing to deploy naval mines in southern Iran. Washington described the operation as “self-defence strikes”.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the action, saying the United States would be held responsible for the consequences of what it called “aggressive and unjustified attacks” in Hormozgan province, a strategic coastal region located along the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Iran’s restrictions in the area have already contributed to rising global energy prices in recent weeks.
Tehran warned that it would respond firmly to any further military action.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not leave any hostile act unanswered and will continue defending the Iranian people,” the ministry stated.
Despite the renewed tensions, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are still ongoing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations could still produce an agreement, although he noted that progress may require several more days.
One of the major issues delaying a breakthrough is Iran’s demand for the release of frozen financial assets held in foreign countries.
Pakistan has played a key role in mediating the talks, while recent discussions involving Iranian negotiators have also taken place in Qatar.
Sources familiar with the Doha meetings told Reuters that Iran’s central bank governor joined Monday’s negotiations, where discussions focused on Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, frozen assets, and the growing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway has faced major disruptions since the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel escalated on 28 February.
Western countries, including the US and Israel, continue to accuse Iran of enriching uranium for potential nuclear weapons development. Tehran has repeatedly denied the allegations, insisting that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
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