"The United States Broke the Ceasefire"... Iran Claims Attack on Oil Tanker

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\r\n[The Financial News] Islamic Republic of Iran claimed that the United States violated a ceasefire and attacked an oil tanker and civilian areas. As the possibility of an armistice memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was being discussed, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz appear to be rising again.
\r\nIn a statement released through state-run media early on the 8th local time, Iran's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "The United States violated the ceasefire agreement."
Iran said the U.S. military attacked an Iranian oil tanker that was moving from waters near Jask toward the Strait of Hormuz. It also said another vessel attempting to enter the strait near the Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was attacked.
A spokesman for the command claimed, "In cooperation with some regional countries, the United States also carried out airstrikes on civilian areas along the coasts of Bandar Kamir, Sirik and Qeshm Island."
No official response has been issued by the United States so far.
The announcement came shortly after speculation that the United States and Iran were moving toward ending hostilities. Earlier, some foreign media outlets reported that the two countries were close to signing a one-page armistice memorandum of understanding.
However, the latest claim of an attack has once again made the military situation around the Strait of Hormuz unstable.
The United States recently said it would support the safe passage of civilian merchant ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz through Operation Sentinel, also known as Project Freedom. Iran has strongly objected, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key energy shipping route through which about 20% of the world's seaborne crude oil passes. If the confrontation escalates again, it could affect international oil prices and the global shipping market.
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km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter