Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a strong warning to Washington over what he described as recent violations of bilateral understandings. He made the statement during a public address on Sunday after a series of aerial attacks. Regional tensions have since intensified, with both sides reportedly exchanging missile and drone strikes.
According to Iranian officials, the Islamabad memorandum of understanding governs maritime transit through the strategic Persian Gulf corridor. They argued that the agreement grants Tehran primary authority over maritime security. Officials also said it allows Iran to regulate shipping activities in the area.
The latest escalation followed three rounds of U.S. aerial strikes. The attacks reportedly targeted radar installations and air defense systems in southern Iran. Iranian authorities condemned the operations and described them as a direct violation of the June agreement.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a complete maritime blockade. Iranian maritime authorities suspended cargo traffic after what they called the unauthorized entry of an international container vessel. Military officials said the restrictions would remain until foreign military forces leave the region.
Iranian officials also stated that the memorandum was designed to protect maritime transit and support regional economic stability. However, they argued that recent military actions have undermined those objectives. According to Iranian sources, the country also launched drone strikes against U.S.-linked military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain over the weekend.
Iranian officials said the current geopolitical crisis stems from a months-long regional conflict. They stated that hostilities began on February 28. Regional mediators later helped broker a temporary ceasefire in April. Negotiators then drafted the current framework to establish long-term security guidelines for commercial shipping.
Energy analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s petroleum shipments. Continued instability has raised insurance costs for shipping companies. It has also increased the possibility of rerouting vessels around the Arabian Peninsula. These developments have added further uncertainty to global energy markets.
Looking ahead, Iranian officials say previous maritime conditions are unlikely to return soon. They plan to enforce stricter inspection measures under their interpretation of international maritime law. Meanwhile, diplomats continue to call for urgent de-escalation efforts to prevent broader regional and economic consequences.