Iran said it no longer considered itself bound by the June 17 peace memorandum after fresh airstrikes. (Reuters Photo)

Iran withdraws from US peace deal over blockade, vows full control of Hormuz

Iran said it no longer considered itself bound by the June 17 peace memorandum after fresh US airstrikes and a renewed naval blockade. Tehran also said wartime conditions required full control over the Strait of Hormuz and ruled out immediate talks with Washington.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Iran says it no longer bound by June 17 peace memorandum
  • Tehran claims full wartime control over Strait of Hormuz
  • Iran rules out immediate talks with US

As the US launched another round of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, the Islamic Republic has declared that it was no longer bound by the peace memorandum signed last month and insisted that it would exercise complete wartime control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The sharp escalation came after the US said that latest strikes targeted facilities linked to what it described as "emerging threats" and capabilities allegedly used to launch attacks on commercial shipping transiting Hormuz.

The strikes also preceded a renewed US naval blockade around Iranian ports and coastal areas.

Responding to the developments, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused Washington of effectively tearing up the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which had been negotiated to halt the conflict that began on February 28.

"The US has gone beyond merely violating the MoU. With tonight's naval blockade, the agreement has effectively been dismantled. Iran no longer considers itself bound by the memorandum," Gharibabadi said in an interview with Iranian state television.

Gharibabadi also hardened Tehran's position on the vital waterway, describing the waterway as central to Iran's national security.

He said that although Oman normally shares responsibility over the strategic strait, wartime conditions required Iran to exercise control across the entire passage.

According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, the Deputy Foreign Minister said Tehran would enforce its sovereignty over the strait "whatever that costs."

Gharibabadi also ruled out any immediate diplomatic engagement with Washington.

"Iran will never request negotiations with the US," he added.

- Ends