Iran Claims Ceasefire Adherence, Vows Revenge Amid Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Tehran has fulfilled its ceasefire obligations with the United States, while accusing the U.S. Treasury Secretary of violating a memorandum of understanding. Araghchi stated on X that respect must be mutual, referencing a clause in the agreement concerning the non-deployment of additional U.S. forces in the region.

Clashes between Iran and the U.S. reignited last Tuesday, marking the most significant confrontations since a June 17 agreement aimed at resolving a conflict that began with an Israeli-American attack on Iran on February 28. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that the ceasefire was "over" but agreed to continue talks with Tehran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that Tehran had not requested further discussions, even as Araghchi prepared to visit Oman to discuss the Strait of Hormuz. Iran permits only one shipping corridor along its coast and rejects a return to the pre-war situation where passage through the strait, vital for one-fifth of global hydrocarbon trade, was unrestricted.

In retaliation for U.S. strikes on three merchant ships in the strait, Iran targeted Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The Trump administration reportedly views a nuclear deal with Iran as increasingly unlikely, with a U.S. official citing potential severe consequences if Iran does not publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open and commit to not firing on ships. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a stark warning, vowing that "revenge for Ali Khamenei must be carried out," promising retribution for his father's blood and that of other martyrs.