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US airstrikes draw sharp rebuke from Tehran
Iran has condemned recent American airstrikes as a "gross violation" of the fragile ceasefire, escalating tensions in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz region.
Strikes target missile sites and mining boats
According to US Central Command (Centcom), the strikes on Monday hit Iranian missile installations and vessels attempting to lay sea mines in southern Iran's Hormozgan province. Centcom described the operation as "self-defence."
Iran vows retaliation, warns of consequences
Iran's foreign ministry issued a stern statement holding Washington accountable for the "aggressive and unjustified actions." The ministry warned that Tehran "will not leave any evil unanswered and will not hesitate to defend the Iranian nation."
Ceasefire talks hang in balance
The impact of the strikes on ongoing negotiations remains unclear. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a deal could still materialise but indicated it may take "a few days."
One key obstacle in the talks is Iran's demand for the release of frozen assets held overseas. Discussions in Doha this week reportedly focused on these funds, as well as Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint
Iran has effectively blockaded the vital waterway-through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies pass-since the conflict erupted on 28 February. The US, Israel, and Western allies accuse Tehran of enriching uranium for nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies, insisting its programme is for civilian energy purposes.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid tensions
The talks have been primarily mediated by Pakistan, though Iranian negotiators, including the central bank governor, have been engaged in discussions in Qatar this week. An official familiar with the Doha meetings told Reuters that the frozen assets and uranium enrichment were central topics.
