Iran Strikes U.S. Military Bases in the Middle East in Response to Ceasefire Violation

Iran announced on June 26 that it had targeted U.S. military bases in the Middle East in response to what it described as a violation of a ceasefire by the United States. This escalation comes as the two nations were engaged in follow-up negotiations after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending hostilities, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated in a statement, "Following the Zionist regime's (Israel) violation of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, the U.S. government, as it has done in the past, also breached the ceasefire agreement." The IRGC claimed that its naval forces struck several U.S. military bases in the region in retaliation for these actions.

The statement further accused the U.S. of using various pretexts to justify its attacks on Iranian coastal areas, citing the passage of unauthorized vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, condemned the U.S. on social media platform X, stating, "The U.S. attacked Iran again during negotiations, demonstrating that the failed U.S. president does not uphold the principles of negotiation or ceasefire." He warned that such reckless violations of the ceasefire would lead to defeat and regret for the U.S.

Azizi also asserted that according to Article 5 of the Islamabad Agreement (the MOU), Iran has control over the procedures and authority regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He cautioned that if the U.S. continues to violate this agreement, Iran would respond more broadly.

Iranian state media reported that two projectiles struck a communications tower in the southern port city of Sirik, near the Strait of Hormuz, on June 26. Additionally, two projectiles were reported to have landed on Qeshm Island in the Strait, although the source of the fire was not confirmed, and details on damage were not provided.

The U.S. Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, stated on X that its units conducted airstrikes against Iran in response to the previous day's attack on a commercial vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. aircraft targeted Iranian missile and drone stockpiles and coastal radar sites, according to Central Command.

The U.S. launched the airstrikes on June 26, claiming that Iran had violated the ceasefire agreement by attacking a commercial vessel with drones while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the MOU took effect on June 17, the U.S. and Iran have been engaged in negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. However, the recent attacks and retaliatory strikes have raised the likelihood of further disruptions to the negotiation process.