Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned airstrikes carried out by U.S. forces on Friday evening against sites on the southern coast of the country. In a statement, the foreign ministry said the actions constitute a “flagrant violation” of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in mid-June, as well as a gross disregard for the UN Charter and international law. Tehran noted that the strikes targeted coastal observation facilities, which affects the first point of the agreement reached.
Iran’s side also said the strikes were carried out as part of its “inalienable right to self-defense,” and that its forces targeted sites linked to the U.S. military presence in the region. Tehran placed full responsibility for the consequences of this escalation on Washington, calling it a “violation of the promises made,” and urged the United Nations not to remain a bystander. In response to the attacks, according to Iranian media, strikes were launched against U.S. positions in the Persian Gulf—marking the first direct military clash between the two sides since the memorandum was signed on June 17.
In turn, U.S. Central Command said its strikes were in response to what it called an “unprovoked attack” on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. military officials stressed that the operation was a “forceful response” to Iran’s violation of a ceasefire. U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned that any further escalation by Iran would be met with a similar response. Earlier, President Donald Trump condemned an attack attributed to an Iranian drone, calling it a “reckless violation” of the understanding between the two countries.
Against this backdrop, Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharp condemnation of Iran, calling the attack on the kingdom using multiple unmanned aerial vehicles the “most resolute expressions” of such actions. Manama stressed that continuing these aggressive steps makes Tehran responsible for undermining peace and stability in the region. At the same time, Iranian authorities warned against the use of any alternative routes in the Strait of Hormuz, saying that any path not agreed with Tehran would carry danger.
The developing situation threatens to undermine the memorandum itself, which was intended to reduce tensions and ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s key oil corridors. Point five of the document, in particular, provided for opening the strait within 30 days along routes determined by Iran, alongside consultations between Tehran and Oman. Now, amid an exchange of strikes and mutual accusations, diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation are under serious threat, and the world is watching closely to see whether escalation can be contained without new violations of the agreement.
Comments on the news
- Why is Oman specifically playing the role of mediator between Iran and the United States in negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz? — Oman has historically maintained neutrality in Persian Gulf conflicts and supports diplomatic channels with both Iran and the West. The sultanate has long-standing trade and political ties with Tehran, which makes it a trusted intermediary capable of conveying messages between the parties without direct involvement in the tension. In addition, Oman is not part of anti-Iranian alliances (for example, a Saudi-led coalition), which makes it a convenient negotiating partner.
- What strategic significance does the Strait of Hormuz have for Iran, and why does Tehran insist on defining shipping routes? — The strait is the world’s key “oil throat”: about 20% of the world’s oil passes through it. For Iran, controlling the strait is a lever of geopolitical influence and a way to protect its territorial integrity. Tehran insists on defining routes because it believes it has a sovereign right to regulate shipping in its territorial waters, and it is also trying to prevent unauthorized passages or incursions—strengthening its security amid sanctions.
- Why did Bahrain respond so sharply to the drone attack, rather than other Persian Gulf countries, and what is that country’s role in regional security? — Bahrain is the most vulnerable U.S. ally in the region: the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is located there, making the country a key component of America’s military presence. In addition, Bahrain has tense internal relations due to its Shiite majority, which Tehran has historically supported. The sharp reaction is linked to fears of being drawn into a conflict between Iran and Israel/U.S., as well as a desire to demonstrate reliability to allies (primarily Saudi Arabia and Washington) as a security partner.
Full version: Iran condemns U.S. strikes and insists on defending its sovereignty