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Iran Condemns US Strikes as Gross Violation of Ceasefire
TEHRAN — Iran condemns US strikes as gross violation of ceasefire after American forces targeted Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines near Bandar Abbas on Monday, with the Iranian foreign ministry holding the United States responsible for the consequences of what it called “aggressive and unjustified actions” in the Hormozgan region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later claimed it had downed a US drone and fired at a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace, though it did not specify when the incidents occurred. The strikes and Iran’s response come as negotiations continue in Doha, where Iran’s central bank governor attended talks on Monday to discuss the release of frozen Iranian funds.
What Iran Said
Iran’s foreign ministry issued a formal statement hours after the US strikes, declaring: “Without a doubt, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not leave any evil unanswered and will not hesitate to defend the Iranian nation.”
The IRGC claimed its forces had downed a US drone and fired at a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace. It did not specify when these events took place. The claims could not be independently verified IRGC statement, 26 May 2026.
The US Central Command had described the strikes as “self-defence” operations designed “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.” Centcom spokesperson Capt Tim Hawkins said the US military “continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.” The New York Times, citing an official, reported the strikes targeted an area near Bandar Abbas, a southern port city and home to an Iranian naval base on the Strait of Hormuz New York Times report on Bandar Abbas strikes, 26 May 2026.
US launches new strikes on Iran targeting missile sites and boats — our earlier analysis
The Doha Talks
The military exchanges occur alongside ongoing diplomatic negotiations. An official briefed on the Doha talks told Reuters that Iran’s central bank governor attended Monday’s discussions to address the issue of frozen Iranian assets held abroad — one of the reported stumbling blocks in the negotiations Reuters report on Doha talks, 26 May 2026.
Discussions in the Qatari capital have focused primarily on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the legal status of the Strait of Hormuz, and the release of frozen funds. Pakistan has served as the primary mediator, with Qatar now hosting direct discussions on the most detailed issues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal remained possible but would “take a few days.” President Donald Trump initially suggested a deal was close over the weekend before later saying he had instructed negotiators “not to rush into” an agreement.
Iran said on Monday that some progress had been made, but a deal “is not imminent.”
The Iran deal framework — what’s in the 60-day memorandum of understanding
The Ceasefire Under Strain
A ceasefire has been in place since 8 April and has been largely observed, barring one notable naval clash in early May. The US calls Monday’s strikes “self-defence.” Iran calls them a “gross violation.”
The memorandum of understanding reportedly involves a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. According to US media, the possible deal is not a final settlement but an initial agreement that leaves contentious issues, including the scope of sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, for later negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, has been effectively blocked by Iran since the conflict began with US-Israeli airstrikes on 28 February. The US, Israel, and many Western countries have accused Iran of enriching uranium to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran says its programme is for peaceful purposes only.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis — how a waterway became a sovereignty laboratory
FAQ: Iran-US Ceasefire Violation 2026
Why did Iran condemn the US strikes?
Iran called the strikes a “gross violation” of the ceasefire that has been in place since 8 April. The US described the same strikes as “self-defence” operations.
Did Iran shoot down a US drone?
The IRGC claimed it downed a US drone and fired at a fighter jet, but did not specify when. The claims have not been independently verified.
What is being discussed in the Doha talks?
Discussions focus on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the legal status of the Strait of Hormuz, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. Iran’s central bank governor attended Monday’s talks.
Is a deal still possible?
Yes, according to both sides. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal could still be reached but would take several more days. Iran says progress has been made, but a deal “is not imminent.”
What is the memorandum of understanding?
It reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. It is not a final settlement.
Written by the Foreign Desk, drawing on Iranian Foreign Ministry statements, IRGC announcements, US Central Command briefings, Reuters diplomatic reporting, and New York Times operational details. The desk has covered every phase of the US-Iran conflict since the 28 February airstrikes.
Source: Iranian Foreign Ministry, IRGC, US Central Command, Reuters, New York Times