Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad‑Reza Aref told Fars news agency the US attacked Iran before the Iran‑US memorandum of understanding (MOU) had been finalised. Aref said the MOU had assigned Iran responsibility for managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for the initial 60 days, yet the US nonetheless launched an attack. He added both sides accuse each other of breaching MOU terms, including Article 5 requiring safe passage for merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-07-19

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad‑Reza Aref told Fars news agency the US attacked Iran before the Iran‑US memorandum of understanding (MOU) had been finalised. Aref said the MOU had assigned Iran responsibility for managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for the initial 60 days, yet the US nonetheless launched an attack. He added both sides accuse each other of breaching MOU terms, including Article 5 requiring safe passage for merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.