BlockBeats News, July 22nd, U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo stated that Iran has failed to fulfill its commitments regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military has carried out strikes against Iranian targets for the 11th consecutive night to continue weakening Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that this round of action targeted Iranian military operational centers, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure.

During his attendance at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in the Philippines, Pompeo mentioned that the U.S. remains committed to resolving the issue through diplomatic means, but Iran is currently "not fully engaged in negotiations." He stated that the core disagreement lies in Iran's demand to have control over the Strait of Hormuz's shipping, a claim that contravenes international law.

Pompeo warned that allowing a single country to control an international waterway, levy tolls, and use force to threaten vessels that refuse to pay fees would set a dangerous precedent and could be replicated in other parts of the world.

The U.S. and Iran had previously signed an interim memorandum of understanding on June 17th, agreeing to halt military actions, restart shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and establish a 60-day negotiation window for a comprehensive agreement, including Iran's nuclear program. However, the two sides have differing interpretations of the control of the Strait of Hormuz: Iran believes the agreement acknowledges its right to participate in shipping management and potentially collect related fees, while the U.S. insists the strait should remain open for free passage without mandatory tolls or restrictions.

Pompeo stated that the current military actions against Iran are a consequence of Iran's failure to fulfill its commitments. The U.S. will continue to protect its interests and those of its allies, ensuring the free passage of vital global energy transit routes.