Iran has stopped fulfilling its duties under the peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States due to Washington’s failure to uphold its commitments, stated Kazem Gharibabadi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs. The US has allegedly breached or suspended all its obligations under the MoU, leading Iran to prioritize self-defense and rule out negotiation possibilities. Gharibabadi emphasized Iran’s focus on resolute defense against perceived threats, indicating a lack of ongoing negotiation prospects.
The United States has reportedly conducted multiple strikes on military installations and infrastructure in Iran’s southern regions over the past week, citing intentions to diminish Iran’s capacity to pose risks to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks on US military bases and facilities in various Gulf nations and Jordan. Kuwait and Bahrain reported intercepting fresh Iranian aerial assaults, with Kuwait’s critical oil facility and a power and water plant being targeted.
Hossein Kermanpour, the head of the Iranian health ministry’s public relations, disclosed in a social media update that US strikes on Iran since June 27 have resulted in 50 fatalities and over 500 injuries. Among the deceased were five women and two minors under 18, while the wounded included 32 women and 18 minors, with 37 individuals still receiving medical treatment. The escalating violence has raised concerns over the humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians in the region.
Iran and the United States inked the MoU on June 18 to resolve conflicts across various fronts, including Lebanon, with negotiations for a final agreement slated within 60 days. However, discussions have hit a standstill due to disagreements concerning the Hormuz Strait and the recent spate of hostilities. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the conflict and seek potential pathways to de-escalation and resolution.
