Iran Issues Statement Warning of Retaliation After US Strikes

Iran has released a written statement attributed to its newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, denouncing recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and warning of "unforgettable lessons" for Washington. The message, also published in English, criticized the United States for repeatedly violating a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries' presidents, calling the agreement's signature "worthless" and accusing the U.S. of coercion and brutality.

The statement praised the bravery of Iranian fighters and civilians in the south and called for national unity to protect the country's dignity and independence. It followed a series of attacks in the region, including U.S. airstrikes on Iranian surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime capabilities, which the Pentagon said were part of a continued campaign.

U.S. Central Command reported that two American service members were killed and one missing after Iranian missile and drone attacks on Jordan, while Jordanian forces said they intercepted ten Iranian missiles. In Kuwait, repeated attacks on power, water desalination and oil facilities caused injuries and material damage, prompting the Gulf Cooperation Council to label the strikes as violations of international law.

Iran also claimed to have struck a U.S.-used air base in Bahrain, targeting aircraft shelters, fuel tanks and bridges, though the U.S. has not confirmed the report. The escalating hostilities come as regional leaders, including the GCC secretary-general, condemn the attacks as dangerous escalations and potential war crimes.

"The repeated breaches of the agreement by the Great Satan regarding the MOU have once again laid bare a fundamental truth: the signature of the US President is utterly worthless and devoid of credibility," the statement read.

The conflict, which began in late February, has seen both sides exchange strikes across the Middle East, with Iran asserting that two oil tankers exploded near the Strait of Hormuz due to U.S. actions, a claim the Pentagon called false.