Iran Foreign Ministry: "U.S. Violated Entire MOU... Will Respond Firmly"

Iran has stated that it will respond firmly to U.S. airstrikes, which were launched in response to attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that the strikes constitute a total violation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote on X on July 8 (local time) that "The MOU between Iran and the U.S. was not based on mutual trust from the beginning. As there were no signs of good faith from the other side (the U.S.), it was drafted strictly based on a clear 'obligation for obligation' mechanism."

He further argued, "Article 5 of the MOU clearly states that the responsibility for ensuring the safety of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran. Despite this, the U.S. has acted against this provision and has effectively violated the entire framework of the agreement through unilateral measures (the revival of crude oil sanctions) and belligerent attacks."

Citing a verse from the Quran that says, "If you fear treachery from a tribe, then cast back to them their treaty on equal terms," Baghaei emphasized, "Iran will move forward firmly and unwaveringly in protecting its national interests and exercising its sovereignty."

Previously, the U.S. military announced that it had conducted precision strikes on over 80 targets in Iran, including air defense systems, command and control facilities, coastal radar stations, anti-ship missile assets, and small vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in response to Iran's attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revoked a 60-day temporary general license that had been issued on June 21 to allow for the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil.

In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched strikes against 85 U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.

(Photo: Captured from IRIB Telegram channel, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.