Tehran: Iran has strongly condemned US strikes on three Iranian crude oil tankers as "illegal and aggressive" and vowed "more severe" retaliatory attacks if Washington continues its strikes on Iranian ships. According to TRTworld.com, the Iranian foreign ministry issued a statement criticizing the US actions as a continuation of military aggression and a naval blockade, characterizing them as violations of the UN Charter and a threat to international peace. Iran emphasized its commitment to defending its sovereignty and national interests in the face of what it labels as US "state terrorism." The statement also highlighted Iran's stance on the US's responsibility for the consequences of its actions in the region. The Iranian ministry accused the US and its allies of perpetuating a state of insecurity and emphasized their responsibility for any further escalation. In response, Iran's military has promised more severe retaliatory measures against US naval vessels if the US persists in its attacks. The Khatam al-Anbiya central command issued a warning to the US army regarding continued harassment and the naval blockade of Iran, stating that Iranian retaliation would be intensified. The tensions follow US Central Command's acknowledgment of disabling three Iranian oil tankers after ballistic missile launches by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The situation has added to regional tensions, which have been rising since US-Israeli attacks on Iran commenced in February. Efforts to manage these tensions through a memorandum of understanding concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have stalled due to security disagreements, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.