Iran Condemns US Military Strikes as Breach of Bilateral Accord
In a strongly-worded statement released on June 27, Iran's foreign ministry accused the United States of committing a 'flagrant violation' of the peace agreement between the two nations through its recent military actions against Iranian targets. The statement placed full blame for the escalating crisis on Washington.
Details of the Attacks and Iran's Defensive Posture
The ministry specified that the US had launched strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance installations, terming them 'brutal attacks'. In response, Iran stated it conducted defensive strikes against targets 'associated with the United States', asserting its legitimate right to self-defense under international law.
Iran vowed to 'employ all means necessary to protect its sovereignty, security, and national interests,' signaling a firm stance against further escalation.
A Broader Regional Context
The statement also noted that Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon conducted concurrently constituted a violation of relevant regional memoranda of understanding, suggesting a coordinated pattern of actions.
The Iranian foreign ministry concluded: 'The responsibility for this situation lies entirely with the United States and any party that participated in the attacks against Iran.' This clearly assigns the impetus for regional instability to US-led operations.
- Core Allegation: US strikes breach the bilateral peace agreement.
- Nature of Events: Framed as 'brutal attack' and 'defensive countermeasures'.
- Accountability: US and involved parties held fully responsible.
- Regional Link: Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon seen as compounding tensions.