Iran has issued a stark warning of decisive countermeasures after the United States revoked sanctions waivers on Iranian oil exports and launched military strikes, escalating tensions between the two nations. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denounced the moves as blatant violations of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), specifically citing breaches of Articles 1, 2, and 10.
Diplomatic Condemnation and Threat of Retaliation
In a post on X, Gharibabadi stated that Washington's actions—including the cancellation of the oil waiver and the recent strikes—constitute a severe breach of bilateral understandings. He accused the US of consistently violating the accord due to actions by the Zionist regime in Lebanon and threatening statements against Iran. Gharibabadi warned, "Iran, while issuing a serious warning regarding the consequences of America's breach of the agreement, will take decisive actions to safeguard its national interests and security."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also condemned the US decision to revoke the licence, asserting that the move violates the interim agreement and that the US government bears responsibility for the consequences.
US Revokes Oil Sanctions Waiver
The US Treasury Department confirmed the revocation of a sanctions waiver that had permitted the sale of Iranian oil. The waiver, issued last month as part of an interim agreement aimed at halting hostilities, had temporarily eased restrictions on Iranian oil exports for 60 days. The reimposition of sanctions came just hours after the British military reported that three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tanker Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), one tanker caught fire after being targeted off the coast of Oman. Iranian state television reported that the liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after it ignored warnings, though it stopped short of explicitly claiming responsibility. The other two vessels sustained minor damage and continued their voyages with no injuries reported.
Data from the United Nations' International Maritime Organization indicates that the Tuesday strikes represent the highest number of attacks recorded in a single day since late April. These incidents threaten to disrupt maritime traffic through the vital corridor, just as international stakeholders sought to restore normal shipping operations and alleviate global economic strain induced by the conflict.
Alternative Route Under Scrutiny
Tehran has consistently maintained that only its designated route through the Strait of Hormuz remains safe. Iran has previously faced suspicion over attacks on vessels using an alternative route closer to the Omani coastline. Location data published by the UKMTO indicated that all three Tuesday attacks took place off the coast of Oman or the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, suggesting the vessels were using that alternative route.
The escalation threatens to undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict between the US and Iran, with both sides trading accusations of bad faith.
