Iran criticizes U.S. over ceasefire violations amid escalating regional tensions

Iran has accused the United States of "blatant violation" of a ceasefire and a "lack of goodwill" to de-escalate tensions, following a fresh exchange of airstrikes in the Middle East. U.S. military forces reported conducting airstrikes on Iranian coastal radar sites and downing four drones launched by Tehran toward the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed to have retaliated against U.S. air bases and military facilities.

The U.S. Central Command also stated it intercepted an Iranian missile and drone attack targeting Kuwait and Bahrain. These strikes occurred as both nations prepared for new talks. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran to represent the U.S. in these discussions, reportedly carrying a letter from Pakistan's leadership to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is reportedly exploring the possibility of redirecting some of Iran's frozen assets to aid Kuwait and Bahrain in repairing damage from recent attacks. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has allegedly directed an assessment of damages and the potential use of Iranian funds for repair costs. This move comes after an Iranian official stated that the release of $24 billion in blocked assets was a condition for a peace deal, potentially adding new pressure to the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

Elsewhere, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, with the Israeli military reporting approximately 150 Hezbollah targets struck in southern Lebanon over two days. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 22 attacks on Israeli soldiers and tanks, primarily using drones and rockets. In East Asia, North Korea, through Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, reiterated that the country would never relinquish its status as a nuclear power, warning against any threats and calling a U.S. assertion about denuclearization goals a "falsehood."

“

Our status as a nuclear power state is absolutely non-negotiable.