Iran on Tuesday condemned recent U.S. military strikes as a sign of “bad faith and unreliability,” even as negotiations continued toward a possible agreement to end the war and Iranian authorities began restoring internet access after a months-long nationwide shutdown.
The reaction followed U.S. strikes carried out Monday in southern Iran. The U.S. military described the action as defensive, saying it targeted missile launch sites and minelaying boats and was conducted with restraint given the ceasefire that has largely held since early April.
Iran rejected that characterization. Its foreign ministry called the strikes a violation of the ceasefire and warned that Washington would bear responsibility for “all consequences,” without providing further details. In a statement, the ministry said Iran would not allow any act of aggression to go unanswered.
Military Developments
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Tuesday that it had shot down and deterred drones and a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace. The claims were reported by Iran’s official Mizan news agency, which did not specify when the incidents occurred or provide independent confirmation.
The developments marked the latest escalation since a fragile ceasefire took effect on April 7, following weeks of fighting that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes in February. While the ceasefire has largely held, sporadic incidents have raised questions about its durability.
Iran’s leadership used the moment to reinforce its broader regional stance. Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in a statement marking Islam’s annual Hajj pilgrimage, said other Middle Eastern countries would no longer serve as a buffer for U.S. military bases. Iran has long criticized the presence of U.S. forces in the region and has previously targeted U.S. facilities.
Diplomatic Uncertainty
It remained unclear how the latest strikes would affect negotiations. Talks have been underway in the Gulf region, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf traveling to Qatar as part of the discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that negotiations were “proceeding nicely,” despite the military action. Iranian state television reported Tuesday that Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had left Qatar, though no details were given about next steps or whether talks would resume elsewhere.
Negotiations center on several issues, including maritime security and Iran’s nuclear program. A major focus has been the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway off southern Iran through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas passed before the war.
Iran effectively closed the strait earlier in the conflict, stranding hundreds of ships and sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Tehran has since used the strait as leverage in talks, along with demands that the U.S. lift a military blockade of Iranian ports imposed in mid-April.
Regional and Global Impact
Concerns about maritime security continued Tuesday after the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations Center reported an explosion aboard a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the explosion was not immediately known.
The disruption of shipping has had consequences beyond energy markets. Fertilizer supplies have been constrained worldwide, raising concerns about agricultural production in the coming months.
U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu warned Tuesday that the situation could have lasting effects. Speaking at an event in Rome, he said decisions made now would determine whether the disruption remains manageable or evolves into a broader food security crisis in 2026 and 2027.
“What we are witnessing today is not only a geopolitical crisis,” Qu said. “It is a systemic shock to the global agriculture and food system.”
Internet Restoration
At the same time, Iranian authorities began easing a nationwide internet shutdown that had been in place since January. The government has described the restrictions as a wartime necessity, though analysts estimate the shutdown cost Iran’s economy between $30 million and $40 million per day.
Internet users across the country reported gradual restoration of access on Tuesday. The move suggested an effort to ease domestic pressure as talks continue, though authorities did not announce a full timeline for complete restoration.
Broader Negotiations
Trump has also introduced a new element into negotiations, suggesting that any agreement to end the war should include commitments from additional countries to join the Abraham Accords. The accords are U.S.-brokered agreements aimed at normalizing relations with Israel.
Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates joined the accords in 2020, followed by Sudan, Morocco, and Kazakhstan. Egypt and Jordan already have longstanding peace treaties with Israel, while Turkey recognized Israel in 1949.
Israel’s actions against Palestinians, particularly during the war against Hamas in Gaza, have strained relations with Gulf states and much of the Muslim world. Despite this, Trump has expressed interest in expanding the accords and has even suggested that Iran could eventually become a participant.
For now, the combination of military incidents, diplomatic talks, and economic pressures underscores the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire and the broader effort to end the conflict.
FAQs
Why did Iran condemn the U.S. strikes?
Iran said the strikes violated the ceasefire and showed bad faith.
How did the U.S. describe the strikes?
The U.S. called them defensive and carried out with restraint.
What is happening with Iran’s internet access?
Authorities began restoring access after a shutdown since January.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
It carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.
Are negotiations still ongoing?
Talks are uncertain, but officials say discussions are continuing.
