Iran Condemns U.S. Strikes
Iran condemned U.S. airstrikes near the Strait of Hormuz as a ceasefire violation, while the U.S. cited self-defense amidst ongoing peace talks.
Lauren Collins ·
Iran Condemns U.S. Strikes as Ceasefire Violation
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned recent U.S. airstrikes near the Strait of Hormuz as a "gross violation" of the fragile ceasefire established in April. The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) stated its forces conducted "self-defense strikes" in southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines, to protect U.S. troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.
The strikes occurred in the Hormozgan region, which borders the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. Iran's foreign ministry held the U.S. responsible for the consequences of these actions. This development unfolds amidst ongoing talks aimed at extending the current ceasefire and ultimately resolving the broader conflict that began on February 28.
While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a deal is still possible, Iran reported some progress but stated a deal is "not imminent." Key discussion points in the negotiations, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, include a potential 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing Iran's nuclear program and the release of frozen Iranian funds abroad.