U.S. and Iran Resume Strikes After Small-Scale Attacks on Commercial Vessels

The U.S. and Iran restarted hostilities with strikes on military targets overnight on July 13-14, according to multiple reports. The Pentagon struck locations near Iran’s only civilian nuclear plant in Bushehr as well as infrastructure, command sites, radar installations and missile launchers.

Small-scale strikes on commercial vessels began last week. Iran said these attacks violated the Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed last month. The memorandum established a ceasefire and allowed commercial shipping to resume after Iran had kept the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed for nearly four months using sea mines and small boats.

President Trump said Monday the U.S. would resume a naval blockade of Iranian ports on Tuesday. The blockade had been lifted following the signing of the memorandum.

Iranian army spokesperson Brig. Mohammad Akraminia stated Tuesday that reopening the strait requires strict adherence to the Islamabad memorandum and explicit recognition that Iran maintains control of the waterway. He said Washington had attempted to create an alternative route through Omani waters, violating the memorandum’s terms.

Akraminia added that the strait would not reopen through U.S. aggression or pressure.

The text of the memorandum requires Iran to arrange safe passage for commercial vessels at no charge for 60 days and to negotiate with Oman on future administration and maritime services. Iran argues the agreement grants it authority over the strait, while the U.S. maintains that no country can officially control the waterway.

Iranian lawmakers presented a Hormuz management bill as the confrontation continued, according to Al Jazeera.