Strait of Hormuz 0
13 June 2019

In remarks following the tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman earlier in the day, Secretary Pompeo argued that "this is only the latest in a series of attacks instigated by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its surrogates against American and allied interests, and they should be understood in the context of 40 years of unprovoked aggression against freedom-loving nations". Citing a string of events beginning in late April, which Pompeo described as "a clear threat to international peace and security", he went on to contend that "Iran is lashing out because the regime wants our successful maximum pressure campaign lifted", adding that "our policy remains an economic and diplomatic effort to bring Iran back to the negotiating table at the right tome, to encourage a comprehensive deal that addresses the broad range of threats... to peace and security". "Iran should meet diplomacy with diplomacy", Pompeo advised, "not with terror, bloodshed and extortion". 

Subscribe to Crisis Group’s Email Updates

Receive the best source of conflict analysis right in your inbox.