Iran announced on Monday morning that it is launching retaliatory strikes against US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan. This action comes in response to Washington's renewed bombardment of Iran's southern coast over the weekend, which the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said struck more than 140 targets in Bushehr province, affecting five cities: Asaluyeh, Dir, Bushehr, Dashti, and Tangestan.
US Strikes and Iranian Response
According to CENTCOM, the US strikes were a response to an Iranian attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz the previous week. A civilian crew member was reported missing due to that attack, and the vessel was "unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage." Iran's retaliatory strikes now target US military installations in four countries, escalating the conflict further.
Iran's Ultimatum and Legal Threats
In a related development, Iran has stated it will no longer abide by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the US if Washington fails to uphold its commitments to end the war. Iran accused the US of failing to meet its obligations under the interim peace deal. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said at a news conference in Tehran that Iran entered "every negotiation with meticulousness and seriousness, keeping in mind the interests and concerns of the Iranian nation."
Baghaei also disclosed that Iran intends to pursue justice for the assassination of its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. "The government has a clear duty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is part of this process," he stated. "We will use all legal and international tools and opportunities at the international level to document their [US-Israeli] crimes and to pursue the implementation of justice."
Strait of Hormuz Tensions
While President Donald Trump claims that the Strait of Hormuz is "open," Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority insists no travel is allowed until "stability and calm are restored." This contradiction highlights the ongoing standoff between the two nations, with Iran asserting control over the strategic waterway.
