Image Source: FOX News
World – Iran has rejected accusations from the Gulf states that it was behind an attack on a Qatar and Saudi-linked vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after a series of strikes on commercial tankers reignited tensions in the region.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei expressed regret over Doha’s accusation on Tuesday, stressing that Iran was seriously implementing its commitments on the future administration of the strait. Baghaei described the allegation as “questionable, contrary to the principle of good neighbourliness, and unacceptable.”
“Referring to Clause 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Termination of the War, dated June 18, 2026, which commits the Islamic Republic of Iran to taking the necessary measures for the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz and the provision of maritime services, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed that Iran is seriously implementing its commitments,” the ministry said in a statement.
Gulf States Condemn Attacks on Tankers
Qatar strongly condemned the targeting of the tankers, calling the incident a grave violation of international maritime safety, a direct threat to global energy supplies, and a clear breach of international law.
Doha, which also summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador in protest, warned that the attacks jeopardised the gains achieved following the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, and demanded that Tehran take urgent measures to prevent a recurrence.
“The continuation of these unacceptable attacks constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region,” the ministry said.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia condemned the targeting of the tankers in the strongest terms, describing the attacks as an assault on the security and safety of international navigation and on global energy supplies. The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said Tehran bore full responsibility for the attacks, the damage they caused, and all their repercussions.
“Iran’s continued perpetration of these attacks is a grave violation of international law and norms, and of Security Council Resolution 2817, which guarantee freedom of navigation and the safe passage of waterways,” the ministry said.
US Strikes Over 80 Targets As Tehran Warns Of Retaliation
Following the alleged attacks, the United States launched a series of military strikes, and US Central Command confirmed its forces hit over 80 targets in Iran with precision munitions, including air defence systems, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats.
CENTCOM said the strikes were launched to impose high costs on Tehran for targeting commercial shipping in an international waterway and accused Iran of breaking the ceasefire between the two countries.
“Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” the command said on X.
Senior Iranian official Kazem Gharibabadi hit back in a post on X, saying the US revocation of the sanctions waiver on Iran’s oil sales violated Article 10 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, while the military operations and Israel’s actions in Lebanon breached Articles 1 and 2.
“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,” he said.
