Following U.S. retaliatory airstrikes targeting Iran for attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has immediately warned of a counter-response, claiming that the U.S. has repeatedly violated a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

According to AFP on the 8th (local time), the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release immediately following the U.S. airstrikes, "Iran warns of the serious consequences of the U.S. violation of the provisions and will take resolute measures 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 the war, 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 attacks on merchant vessels in international waters of 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 vessels with innocent civilians on board in international waters," adding that "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 the sale of Iranian crude oil for the same reason.

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

Iran's state-run IRIB broadcaster reported that 6 explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, 7 in Sirik, and multiple explosions were detected in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

Reuters, citing Iranian media, reported that 6 projectiles landed in the area of the Taherui pier in Sirik.

(Photo: Yonhap News)