Iran fires back at Trump over Hormuz plan, suspends MoU after accusing US of 'openly violating' ceasefire

Iran on Monday accused the US of "openly violating" a ceasefire agreement and declared that it would no longer implement a previously agreed memorandum of understanding (MoU), signalling a further deterioration in relations between the two countries amid an escalating confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement came hours after US President Donald Trump unveiled a series of measures aimed at tightening Washington's control over the strategic waterway, including the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and a new 20 per cent charge on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier in the day, Trump said the US was effectively "taking over" responsibility for securing the strait and would serve as its "guardian," arguing that nations benefiting from the critical shipping route should contribute financially to its protection.

The US president maintained that Washington had safeguarded the waterway for years without compensation and said wealthy countries relying on the route would now be expected to pay for its security.

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The latest developments mark a sharp escalation in a crisis that has increasingly centred on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which roughly one-quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade passes.

Agreement 'in a state of crisis'

Speaking at a press conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the understanding reached between Tehran and Washington was now under severe strain because of what he described as repeated US violations of its commitments.

"There is no doubt that the agreement with the United States is in a state of crisis until the other party fulfills its responsibilities," Baghaei said.

He also defended Iran's recent military actions against American targets in the region, insisting they were carried out in response to perceived threats.

"Actions on American bases were taken in self-defence."

The ceasefire arrangement was formalised through an MoU signed last month, followed by discussions between Iranian and American officials in Switzerland aimed at stabilising relations after months of confrontation.

However, the fragile understanding began to unravel following attacks on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz on July 6, an incident that triggered a new cycle of accusations, military action and diplomatic recriminations.

Since then, both sides have exchanged strikes and blame, raising concerns among global markets and shipping operators about the safety of one of the world's most important trade routes.

Iran rejects US Role in Hormuz

Baghaei sharply criticised Washington's expanding role in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that US intervention had worsened regional instability rather than improved maritime security.

"The United States has openly violated the ceasefire agreement. Intervention in Iranian arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz has created a renewed situation of insecurity," he said.

His comments came shortly after Trump's announcement that the United States would assume responsibility for securing the waterway while imposing new restrictions on Iranian maritime activity.

Baghaei reiterated Tehran's longstanding position that Iran has a legitimate security role in the strait and would not tolerate actions that undermine its national interests.

"We have emphasized that we will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to become a place for threatening Iran's national security," he said.

At the same time, the Iranian spokesperson maintained that Tehran remained committed to protecting international shipping through the passage.

"We have sincerely and responsibly worked to ensure the security and safety of shipping in this route," he added.

Tehran blames Washington for Gulf tensions

The Iranian official also accused the United States of being the primary source of instability in the Gulf region and rejected Washington's assertion that its naval presence was necessary to safeguard commercial vessels.

"The party that has constantly obstructed this route is America," he said.

Baghaei argued that US claims of escorting and protecting merchant shipping were evidence of a broader strategy to maintain tension in the region.

"The claim they make about escorting commercial ships itself confirms America's insistence on perpetuating insecurity in the region," he said.

He warned that continued US actions could further undermine confidence among international shipping companies and exacerbate existing security concerns.

"Such behaviors will certainly not create confidence in international shipping and will merely exacerbate the current situation and the prevailing insecurity in the region," Baghaei added.

Islamabad talks in limbo

Baghaei also dismissed reports suggesting that a second round of negotiations between Iran and the US could take place in Islamabad, indicating that diplomatic efforts remain uncertain amid the ongoing dispute.

The two sides continue to disagree over alleged ceasefire violations, maritime security arrangements and control over the Strait of Hormuz, leaving little indication of an immediate breakthrough.

The latest exchange of accusations underscores the rapid deterioration in US-Iran relations since the ceasefire agreement was announced, with military activity continuing alongside an increasingly bitter diplomatic confrontation over the future of one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

With inputs from agencies