Waltz rejects Iran's 'rogue faction' claim as ceasefire unravels

Waltz rejects Iran's 'rogue faction' claim as ceasefire unravels

The Trump administration has dismissed Iran's claim that attacks on commercial shipping were carried out by rogue hardliners, with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz declaring the fragile ceasefire has effectively broken down.

Speaking after the United States launched a third wave of air strikes against Iran in less than a week, Waltz said Tehran must be held fully responsible for the actions of its military and warned that "all options are on the table."

'We don't buy it'

Earlier this week, U.S. officials revealed that Iranian negotiators had privately claimed attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were carried out by an "errant" faction within the country's security apparatus attempting to derail diplomatic talks.

Waltz flatly rejected that explanation.

"We're supposed to believe that some junior officers are going rogue and firing on ships, but yet face no consequences from a dictatorial hierarchy-based entity like the IRGC?" he said.

"I don't buy it. I don't think we buy it."

He added that if Iran's explanation were genuine, the United States would expect to see those responsible disciplined and a public apology issued.

Third round of strikes

The latest comments came after U.S. Central Command confirmed another major round of strikes against Iranian military targets.

According to CENTCOM, around 140 targets—including missile launch sites, drone facilities and military infrastructure—were hit overnight, bringing the total number of Iranian targets struck during the past week to more than 300.

The operation followed another attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington says violated the memorandum of understanding agreed between the two countries.

Strait dispute deepens

Iran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz after accusing commercial vessels of ignoring approved shipping routes through its territorial waters.

However, CENTCOM later reported that maritime traffic was continuing through the strategic waterway despite Tehran's declaration.

The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant proportion of the world's seaborne oil and gas exports, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.

Diplomacy continues despite fighting

Although President Donald Trump declared last week that the ceasefire was effectively over, Waltz insisted diplomatic contacts have not ended.

He said technical discussions remain underway over Iran's nuclear programme, including the future of its highly enriched uranium stockpiles and facilities damaged during recent U.S. strikes.

"The ceasefire has broken down," Waltz acknowledged, "but those experts are still talking."

Pressure remains on Tehran

Waltz accused Iran of repeatedly violating international law by attacking civilian shipping, threatening neighbouring countries and attempting to use the Strait of Hormuz as political leverage.

He said the United States would continue working with allies while maintaining military pressure until Iran demonstrates it is prepared to honour its commitments.

Despite the continuing diplomatic contacts, Sunday's remarks suggest the Trump administration now has little confidence in Tehran's explanation for the recent attacks, leaving hopes of restoring a lasting ceasefire hanging by a thread.

SOURCE