Trump tears up memorandum, Iran lists five charges against the U.S., Middle East tensions escalate sharply

Just as Khamenei's body was transported to Iraq, U.S.-Iran conflict reignites.

To be precise, the United States suddenly launched an attack on Iran. According to a statement from U.S. military officials, the latest round of strikes has concluded, with over 80 Iranian targets hit—three-quarters of which were Revolutionary Guard speedboats.

In other words, while the strike sounds large-scale, it was actually restrained in nature, aimed at sending a warning to Iran not to continue attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

This incident has become the spark that reignited hostilities. Over the past few days, Iran has targeted three foreign ships, though the Revolutionary Guard has not yet provided specific reasons.

The United States justified its attack by citing the need to protect the security of the strait, but refrained from escalating the conflict too much, fearing it would jeopardize the ceasefire agreement. Thus, it chose to target only the Revolutionary Guard’s speedboats.

Meanwhile, the United States announced an emergency revocation of exemptions for Iran’s oil trade. As part of the ceasefire memorandum, the U.S. had granted Iran a 60-day exemption last month, allowing Iran to freely trade oil with third parties.

However, according to the U.S. Treasury Secretary, due to fears of America turning hostile, no one dared do business with Iran—except China. It now appears he was right: compared to the uncertainty surrounding whether the ceasefire agreement will hold, the certainty that the U.S. might turn hostile is far greater.

Upon the announcement, crude oil benchmark prices surged immediately, rising over 3% at one point to reach $72.65 per barrel—but still far behind levels seen in March.

In response to U.S. actions, from Iran’s parliament to its Foreign Ministry, all have stated they will not yield. They have listed five charges against the United States, bluntly stating that Trump miscalculated, and Iran will respond resolutely through action, making the U.S. understand the cost of such behavior.

More bullets may still be flying ahead.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870126631310344/

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