Tehran: Iran on Wednesday sharply criticised the United States for revoking a temporary waiver on sanctions related to Iranian oil sales, describing the move as a breach of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 18 and warning that it would take steps to safeguard its national interests.

In a statement, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the US Treasury's move to lift the temporary suspension of the embargo on Iranian oil sales, which is a gross violation of Article 10 of the Memorandum of Understanding to End the War and holds the US government responsible for the consequences of this breach of promise."

Tehran said the US decision, announced less than three weeks after the agreement was signed, demonstrated Washington's "malicious intentions, instability, and unreliability." The ministry also accused the United States of repeatedly violating provisions of the agreement, both directly and "through the actions of the Zionist regime against Lebanon."

Reiterating that Iran had honoured its commitments under the agreement, the ministry stated, "Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding... the Islamic Republic of Iran has tried in good faith and using all its capabilities to fulfill its obligations... However, the US government, as usual, has simultaneously violated its obligations and sought to justify them with various excuses."

Warning of possible repercussions, the ministry added, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, while warning of the consequences of America's breach of the agreement, will take any action it deems necessary to protect its interests and national security."

The diplomatic row comes as the United States launched military strikes against Iran following attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement posted on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, "U.S. Central Command forces have begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway."

CENTCOM said the operation was launched after Iran allegedly targeted three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that "Iran's demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire."

The military action coincided with reports of multiple explosions across southern Iran. Blasts were reported near Sirik and Qeshm, while Iranian state media also reported explosions east and west of Bandar Abbas. According to Al Jazeera, projectiles struck commercial and fishing piers at Sirik port.

The latest escalation follows the US Treasury Department's decision on Tuesday to revoke a licence issued in June that had temporarily allowed Iran to produce, sell and deliver crude oil and related petroleum products through August 21. The move increases economic pressure on Tehran as negotiations over a broader settlement to the conflict continue.