As the US intensified its attacks on the military targets in Iran, the Islamic Republic has declared it no longer abides by the Pakistan brokered MoU signed last month and insisted it would excercise complete and only control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The remark followed a statement by the US in which it threatened to target civil power plants and bridges calling them ’emerging threats’ if failed to come on the negotiation table.
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 the local media.
Strengthning Tehran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, 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 reports, Gharibabadi said Tehran would force its sovereignty over the strait “whatever that costs.” He further ruled out any immediate diplomatic engagement with Washington.
Trump in a media interview revealed Washington was prepared to expand its military campaign if Iran did not return to the negotiating table. “I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets,” Trump said.
“Next week comes the power plants, next week comes the bridges. Unless they get to the table and negotiate.”
The latest military exchange has breached the June 17 agreement intended to pause the conflict for days as both the sides worked for a broader settlement.