Iran has reported new explosions on Kharg Island, located in the Gulf and of strategic importance for Tehran's oil exports, DPA reported, BTA reported.
The Iranian Mehr news agency reported today that the island was under fire. The US military carried out airstrikes on the island in the middle of last month. There are no details yet on what targets were attacked.
The Gulf is home to several islands of strategic importance to Iran - south of the Islamic Republic's mainland. They also play an important role in the Iranian economy.
The most important terminal for exporting Iranian crude oil through the Gulf is located on Kharg Island. A large part of Iran's oil production passes through there.
During the Iran-Iraq War (1980 - 1988), Kharg Island was repeatedly attacked because of its strategic importance. Last week, US President Donald Trump said that he did not rule out US forces taking over the Iranian island of Kharg.
For his part, Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that anyone who tries to occupy the island will "burn in hell".
Iran has set preconditions for talks on lasting peace with the United States, Reuters reported, citing a senior representative of the Islamic Republic. These include an immediate cessation of strikes, guarantees that the attacks will not be repeated, and compensation for the damage caused, BTA writes.
Tehran rejects the possibility of a ceasefire agreement with the United States if it is only temporary, the official said. A permanent peace agreement is needed that would give Iran the right to collect fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which would vary depending on the type of vessel, its cargo and the current situation, he added.
US President Donald Trump said that the deadline for his ultimatum to Iran to conclude an agreement to resolve the conflict, which expires today, is final.