Iran sharply criticized the United States over differing interpretations of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on control of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that neighboring countries cooperating with U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran could also face retaliation.
On the 13th, Esmail Baghaei, Spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said at a news conference that regarding Article 5 of the MOU on the Strait of Hormuz, "An arbitrary interpretation that runs counter to the stipulated text is unacceptable."
Spokesperson Baghaei said, "The clause was drafted with great precision so as not to leave room for the United States to interpret it at will," arguing that the United States must not unilaterally interpret the agreement on the Strait of Hormuz.
He emphasized that, as a littoral state with the longest coastline along the Persian Gulf, Iran has the right and responsibility to ensure and manage safe passage through the strait. This reaffirmed the existing position that the United States recognized Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei also placed blame on the United States for the recent rise in regional tensions. He argued that, while Iran was carrying out the process of implementation through consultations with mediators such as Oman, the United States pursued separate workarounds with regional countries in violation of the MOU, which ultimately heightened tensions.
He also issued a warning to neighboring countries. He said, "Iran will not attack any country in the region, and defensive strikes will be limited solely to bases and facilities the United States uses to attack Iran."
However, he warned, "Neighboring countries have an obligation under international law to prevent the United States and Israel from using their territory and facilities to attack Iran," adding, "Any country's territory or area used in an attack on Iran will inevitably become a target of Iran's defensive (retaliatory) measures."