US launches strikes on Iran after tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz

The US has launched a series of “strong” attacks on Iran in response to attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command (Centcom) said in a statement on Tuesday that the attack was launched “with the aim of imposing heavy costs on targeting and attacking commercial vessels crewed by innocent persons in an international waterway.”

According to UK Merchant Marine Operations (UKMTO), the tankers were damaged within a 24-hour period on Monday and Tuesday. There was no loss of life.

Iran did not claim responsibility for the attack on the ships.

Earlier Tuesday, a US official said Iran would face consequences and called the attacks “completely unacceptable.”

The US Treasury also canceled the sanctions exemption that temporarily lifted oil sanctions against Iran.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia also condemned the attacks, each saying a tanker belonging to their country was hit while passing through or near the Bosphorus.

In a statement sent to X, Centcom said the US strikes were “in response to Iranian attacks.”

In the statement, it was stated that “Iran’s aggression is unnecessary, dangerous and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”

The US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity before Centcom’s announcement, insisted US negotiators would continue to work “in good faith” to reach a final deal with Iran.

The revoked US license authorizing Iran to sell oil and petroleum products was included in the memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran last month.

An announcement published on the Treasury’s website on Tuesday stated that there would be a suspension period until July 17 for transactions permitted under the waiver.