Russian invasion of Ukraine begins

The memorandum of misunderstanding?

The US and Iran exchanged strikes for a third consecutive night, with Washington striking military targets, vowing to reimpose its naval blockade, and Tehran hitting allies in the region. The uptick in fighting centers on a dispute around the Strait of Hormuz, as each side appears to have a different interpretation of a key section of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides last month. Paragraph 5 requires Iran to use its “best efforts” to ensure the safe, charge-free passage of commercial vessels. While Washington sees this as an agreement to complete maritime freedom, Tehran may see it as a confirmation of its control over Hormuz and which vessels may pass. Meanwhile, the crisis threatens to escalate, with Trump threatening military action against Pickaxe Mountain – a heavily fortified, underground site located near Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility that was damaged last year by US strikes.