Iranian government condemns US strikes as a gross violation of international law

US Conducts Strikes on Iranian Boats and Missile Sites

The US military has carried out strikes against boats and missile sites in Iran’s Hormozgan province. The attacks occurred shortly after both sides indicated progress in peace talks.

Iran’s foreign ministry described the strikes as a “gross violation” of the fragile ceasefire in place since early April. Seyed Majid Moosavi, commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s Aerospace Force, stated that his forces are prepared to respond and remain vigilant for a decisive response.

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that the Strait of Hormuz must be open “one way or the other”. The UKMTO reported that a tanker had experienced an external explosion 60 nautical miles from Oman’s capital, Muscat. The vessel and its crew were safe, but some bunker fuel was discharged into the sea.

Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf, returned to Iran after consultations with Qatari officials. He has been seeking agreement on the release of approximately $24 billion in Iranian funds frozen overseas as part of a proposed memorandum of understanding.

The memorandum of understanding aims to halt the war and restart shipping through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. An initial deal would cover ending the war on all fronts, establishing a 30-day framework for movement, and providing financial relief. More complex issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program, are to be negotiated in a second phase.

US President Donald Trump had previously stated that his key aim is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon with highly enriched uranium. Tehran has consistently denied having plans to pursue this goal.

Source: Al Jazeera