Iranian citizens watching the transport of the late Supreme Leader Khamenei's casket [Reuters=Yonhap News file photo]

After the United States launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting Iran for attacking merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran immediately warned of a retaliatory response, accusing the U.S. of repeatedly violating a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

According to AFP on the 8th (local time), the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement issued immediately after the U.S. airstrikes, "Iran issues a stern warning regarding the consequences of the United States' violation of the provisions, and will take decisive measures to protect its national interests and national security."

Regarding the U.S.'s prior decision to revoke sanctions waivers on Iranian crude oil sales, the Iranian Foreign Ministry protested, labeling it a violation of the 'Islamabad MOU' for ending the war and asserting that the U.S. must bear responsibility for the consequences.

It further emphasized, "We will take all measures we deem necessary to defend the nation's interests and security."

The U.S. Central Command previously announced that it had launched powerful airstrikes against Iran in response to its attack on merchant ships in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military stated, "This action is to ensure there is a heavy price to pay for targeting and attacking merchant ships carrying innocent civilians in international waters," adding that "Iran's attack is not only dangerous but a clear violation of the ceasefire."

The U.S. Department of the Treasury also revoked sanctions waivers on the sale of Iranian crude oil for the same reason.

Immediately following the announcement of the U.S. airstrikes, Iranian media reported that a series of explosions were heard around the Strait of Hormuz in the south.

Iran's state-run IRIB broadcaster reported that six explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, seven in Sirik, and multiple explosions were also detected in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

Reuters, citing Iranian media, reported that six projectiles fell in the area of the Taherui pier in Sirik.