**Title: Iran's Top Negotiator Warns US Over Violations of Memorandum of Understanding**
Tehran, Iran – In a recent statement, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Ghalibaf, emphasized that the United States will face consequences for failing to uphold the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) established between the two nations. Ghalibaf, who also serves as the speaker of the Iranian parliament, asserted that Iran will not permit the US to disregard the agreement without repercussions.
The tensions escalated further when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be closed to all shipping until the US ceases what Iran describes as "illegal interventions" in the region. This decision comes in the wake of a series of American military strikes against Iranian targets, marking the third wave of such actions within a week.
The MoU, signed on June 17, was intended to extend a ceasefire and provide additional time for both parties to negotiate a comprehensive resolution to ongoing conflicts. As part of this agreement, Iran had allowed the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway responsible for approximately 20% of global crude oil trade.
In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf warned that "the era of one-sided deals is OVER," stressing the importance of adhering to the terms set forth in the MoU. He included a screenshot highlighting a specific clause of the agreement, which states that it is Iran's responsibility to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the latest round of airstrikes was initiated following an alleged attack by Iran on the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC contended that their actions were justified, claiming that the commercial vessels were navigating through a shipping lane designated by the US, which they deemed illegal, rather than adhering to the route established by Tehran.
In retaliation for the US strikes, the IRGC claimed to have targeted American military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman using drones and missiles. Among the reported strikes were attacks on a command center and hangars housing US MQ-9 Reaper drones at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, as well as a refueling facility for US aircraft carriers at the port of Duqm in Oman.
The IRGC issued a stern warning, stating that the US should recognize that continued aggression would result in even more severe responses from Iran. "Bring it on, and we will fight back," the statement concluded, reflecting the heightened tensions between the two nations.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential implications for regional stability and global oil markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for maritime trade, and any disruption in this area could have far-reaching effects on the global economy.