Iran on Monday accused the United States of “openly violating" a ceasefire agreement and announced that it would not implement a previously agreed memorandum of understanding (MoU), deepening tensions between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said relations between Tehran and Washington had entered a period of uncertainty, blaming the US for failing to uphold its commitments.
“There is no doubt that the agreement with the United States is in a state of crisis until the other party fulfills its responsibilities," Baghaei said.
He is defending recent Iranian military actions against American facilities. “Actions on American bases were taken in self-defence," Baghaei said.
An MoU aimed at ending the conflict was signed last month, followed by a series of meetings between Iranian and American delegations in Switzerland. However, the fragile détente began to unravel after three commercial vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on July 6.
The incident triggered a fresh escalation in tensions, with both Washington and Tehran accusing each other of responsibility. Since then, the two sides have exchanged military strikes and sharp rhetoric, raising concerns about a broader confrontation in the region and the security of one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.
Baghaei strongly criticised the United States’ actions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime oil routes, saying they were contributing to regional instability rather than security.
“The United States has openly violated the ceasefire agreement. Intervention in Iranian arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz has created a renewed situation of insecurity," he said.
The spokesperson reiterated Tehran’s longstanding position that it would not allow the strategic waterway to be used in a manner that threatens Iran’s national security.
“We have emphasized that we will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to become a place for threatening Iran’s national security," Baghaei said.
At the same time, he maintained that Iran remained committed to ensuring the safety of maritime traffic through the crucial shipping corridor.
“We have sincerely and responsibly worked to ensure the security and safety of shipping in this route," he added.
Baghaei accused Washington of being the primary source of instability in the region and criticised US claims that it was escorting commercial vessels through the Strait.
“The party that has constantly obstructed this route is America," he said.
According to Baghaei, US assertions about providing naval escorts to commercial shipping demonstrate Washington’s determination to maintain tensions in the region rather than reduce them.
“The claim they make about escorting commercial ships itself confirms America’s insistence on perpetuating insecurity in the region," he said.
He warned that such actions would undermine confidence in international shipping and worsen the security situation.
“Such behaviors will certainly not create confidence in international shipping and will merely exacerbate the current situation and the prevailing insecurity in the region," Baghaei added.
