Following U.S. retaliatory airstrikes against Iran for attacking merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has immediately warned of a retaliatory response, claiming that the U.S. has repeatedly violated a previous memorandum of understanding (MOU).

According to AFP on July 8 (local time), the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated in a release immediately after the U.S. airstrikes, "Iran sternly warns of the consequences of the U.S. violating the provisions, and will take decisive action to protect its national interests and national security."

The Iranian Foreign Ministry previously protested the U.S. decision to revoke sanctions waivers on Iranian crude oil sales, labeling it a violation of the "Islamabad MOU" for ending hostilities, and asserted that the U.S. must bear responsibility for the consequences.

The ministry further emphasized, "We will take all measures deemed necessary to defend the nation's interests and security."

The U.S. Central Command previously announced that it had launched powerful airstrikes against Iran in response to its attack on merchant vessels in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military stated, "This is a measure to ensure they pay a heavy price for targeting and attacking merchant ships carrying innocent civilians in international waters," adding, "Iran's attack is not only dangerous but also a clear violation of the ceasefire."

The U.S. Department of the Treasury also revoked sanctions waivers on Iranian crude oil sales for the same reason.

Immediately following the announcement of the U.S. airstrikes, Iranian media reported a series of explosions in the southern Strait of Hormuz region.

Iran's state-run IRIB broadcaster reported that six explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, seven in Sirik, and multiple explosions were detected in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

Reuters, citing Iranian media, reported that six projectiles landed in the area of the Taherui pier in Sirik.