Iran sharply condemned recent US airstrikes targeting missile sites and naval vessels in its southern region, calling them a breach of the ongoing ceasefire and a demonstration of “bad faith and unreliability.” The response came amid fragile negotiations aimed at ending hostilities in the region.
The US military described the strikes as defensive actions, targeting missile launchers and minelaying boats, and emphasized that they showed restraint considering the delicate ceasefire that has lasted several weeks.
Iran’s foreign ministry warned Washington it would bear responsibility for any consequences arising from the strikes, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it shot down at least one drone and deterred other incursions into its airspace by foreign drones and fighter jets, according to official media. The timing of these incidents was unclear.
Amid rising tensions, Iran’s supreme leader referenced the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage to signal a hardening stance against the US and Israel. He declared that neighboring Middle Eastern countries would no longer act as shields for US military installations in the region — a longstanding source of Iranian grievances and retaliation.
Negotiations have seen key Iranian officials, including the Parliament Speaker and Foreign Minister, depart Qatar after talks, with no immediate updates on next steps. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that discussions over extending the ceasefire and reopening the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz were expected to continue for several days.
In a significant domestic development, Iranian authorities began easing a prolonged nationwide internet shutdown that started months ago during anti-government protests and extended into wartime restrictions. State media confirmed partial restoration of fixed broadband connections, although mobile internet services remained offline.
The shutdown has taken a heavy economic toll by cutting off digital commerce and communications, with estimated daily losses reaching tens of millions of dollars. Previously, Iranians often circumvented internet censorship through virtual private networks (VPNs), but the recent crackdown has rendered most connections inaccessible.
The partial internet restoration allows some citizens to reconnect, though strict content controls and filtering persist. This development may influence public sentiment as Iran balances internal pressures with the ongoing geopolitical conflict.