[Anchor]

Following Iran's attacks on merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States and Iran exchanged airstrikes over the weekend. While foreign media reports suggest that both sides have agreed to halt attacks and resume talks this week, it remains to be seen whether that will happen.

Here is a report from Washington correspondent Lee Hanseok.

[Reporter]

Mike Waltz, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, stated that the U.S. military will continue to conduct military operations against Iran following its attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

He said it would be a mistake for Iran to think that President Trump would simply watch as attacks on international shipping and U.S. military bases continue.

He warned that the U.S. would continue to neutralize Iran's infrastructure if necessary.

[Mike Waltz/U.S. Ambassador to the UN: Iran must choose whether it will become a responsible nation or continue down this path that leads to total ruin.]

He added that Iran's leverage is diminishing, emphasizing that it would be wise for Iran to pursue a diplomatic solution and step back from its obsession with nuclear weapons.

Iran has not backed down either.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, pointed out on social media that all actions taken by the U.S. military and Israel against the Iranian people through forced war are legal issues that must be handled in domestic courts.

He emphasized that what is certain is that these criminals must be arrested and held accountable for their criminal acts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi urged the U.S. not to interfere in the measures Iran is preparing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and to comply with the signed memorandum of understanding on ending the war.

As the hardline standoff continues, the follow-up working-level talks, which were expected to be held as early as today (June 29), have become uncertain.

Concerns are growing that the peace agreement may be in jeopardy as the U.S. and Iran blame each other for the armed conflict.

Reported by Lee Hanseok | Video by Park Eun-ha | Video Editing by Lee Seung-yeol