Iran condemns US strikes as 'gross violation', vows to retaliate

Iran's Foreign Ministry on May 27 declared that US airstrikes targeting the southern Hormozgan province constitute a “gross violation” of the ceasefire in place since early April. The already fragile truce has become even more precarious after Washington launched fresh attacks.

Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force, Seyed Majid Moosavi, posted on social media platform X that “negotiating with the enemy is pure loss” and affirmed that his forces are “on high alert, fully prepared for a decisive, rapid response” and await final orders from the supreme commander. Moosavi said the Air Force, which oversees Iran's ballistic missile and strategic drone programs, is ready to retaliate.

Attacks amid tense negotiations

Amid the escalation, both the US and Iran had previously reported progress in talks over a possible memorandum of understanding that could end the war and resume shipping through the blocked Strait of Hormuz. Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf, along with the Foreign Minister and Central Bank Governor, were in Doha on May 26 to discuss a potential deal with Qatar's Prime Minister.

Iranian state media reported that Qalibaf returned home after consultations with Qatari officials. Iran's Tasnim news agency, citing the negotiating team, said he is seeking an agreement to unfreeze approximately $24 billion of Iranian assets held abroad as part of the memorandum. The Fars news agency, citing a source, said releasing those funds is the final hurdle to finalize the memorandum.

According to Iranian sources, an initial deal would include ending the war on all fronts, establishing a 30-day framework for movement through the Strait of Hormuz, and potentially providing some financial relief. More complex issues, such as Iran's nuclear program, would be negotiated in a second phase. Iran is currently allowing some ships to pass, prioritizing vessels linked to countries allied with or close to Tehran, while also signing government-to-government agreements.

US President Donald Trump has stated that the war's main goal was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons from highly enriched uranium. Tehran has repeatedly denied this. In a lengthy Truth Social post on May 26, Trump said negotiations with Iran are going “well” but warned of new attacks if talks fail.

Strait of Hormuz: 'One way or another'

After strikes on targets the US said included mine-laying ships and missile launchers, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters aboard his plane in Jaipur, India, that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened “one way or another.”

US Central Command said it conducted fresh strikes to “protect our soldiers from threats from Iranian forces.” The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on May 27 reported that an oil tanker reported an explosion on its port side near the waterline, 60 nautical miles from Oman's capital Muscat. UKMTO said the vessel and crew were safe, although the tanker reported some fuel had spilled into the sea.

The war, which began with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has caused an unprecedented oil supply shock, driving up prices for oil, fuel, fertilizer, and food.

Revolutionary Guard warns of retaliation

Iran's Revolutionary Guard declared on May 27 that it has the right to retaliate. The force said its air defense units shot down a US drone and fired on another drone and a fighter jet they alleged had violated Iranian airspace over the Gulf. In a Telegram post during the annual pilgrimage, Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated: “The clock cannot be turned back, and countries and lands in the region will no longer be shields for US bases.”

Israel's role and regional tensions

In another development reflecting regional tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on May 26 that Israel would intensify attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Following the statement, Israel increased the frequency and severity of its strikes. Lebanon's Health Ministry said 12 people were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on the town of Mashghara.

Professor Lorenzo Kamel from the University of Turin (Italy) told Al Jazeera that for a US-Iran peace deal to work, Washington must “restrain” Netanyahu. According to him, Netanyahu needs to play the role of an indispensable wartime leader until Israel's elections. Meanwhile, expert Mohammad Eslamy from the University of Tehran argued that Iran could attack the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if Israel continues bombing Lebanon. He analyzed that Netanyahu wants to remove Lebanon from the agreement before Iran and the US reach a deal. Eslamy also suggested that President Trump is considering military escalation in the Persian Gulf to pressure Iran while the two sides discuss key aspects of the agreement.