US President Donald Trump announced on July 8 that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict "has ended", and said he does not want to continue negotiations with Tehran. Mr. Trump spoke in Ankara ahead of the NATO summit in the Turkish capital.
Previously, the US launched airstrikes on Iran on July 7 local time, after three merchant ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said these airstrikes were in response to Iran's attacks on ships passing through Hormuz, and affirmed that they would "cause heavy losses" to Iran's targeting and attacking merchant ships.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the US of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides and threatened retaliation. "Iran is issuing a harsh warning about the consequences of the US violating the memorandum and will take decisive measures to protect its national interests and security," the Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized.
The attack took place shortly after Washington revoked its exemption from temporary sanctions on Iran's oil, increasing pressure on Tehran as the country is negotiating with the US for a final solution to the conflict. The US Treasury Department has canceled a June license allowing Iran to produce, sell and transport crude oil and related products.
