The US military has initiated a series of robust strikes on Iran in response to incidents involving three merchant ships in the waters off Oman.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that American forces were conducting strikes on Iranian targets to exact significant costs for the targeting and attacking of commercial ships manned by innocent civilians in an international waterway.
The strikes followed the reported projectile attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz from Monday to Tuesday, as confirmed by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. These attacks marked the highest number of incidents in a single day since late April, according to the UN’s International Maritime Organization.
CENTCOM stated that the US strikes were a direct response to Iranian actions in the strait, labeling Iran’s demonstrated aggression as unjustified, perilous, and a blatant violation of the ceasefire.
Subsequent to the announcement, Iranian state media reported explosions in the vicinity of Bandar Abbas. Incidents were also recorded at Sirik port, where commercial and fishing piers were struck by projectiles. Iranian authorities refrained from immediate comments on the events.
Following the attacks on the three vessels, the US revoked a 60-day license issued by the Treasury Department in the previous month, which had exempted Iranian oil from sanctions.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the US decision to revoke the license, asserting that it breached the memorandum of understanding and held the US government accountable for the repercussions of this breach.
A US official informed The Associated Press that the license was rescinded due to Iran’s unacceptable actions in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for consequences.
One of the tankers was targeted and set ablaze while sailing off the coast of Oman, as reported by UKTMO. Iranian state TV mentioned that the liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after allegedly disregarding warnings, although direct responsibility was not claimed.
According to location data from UKMTO, the other two vessels were also attacked near the coast of Oman or the adjacent United Arab Emirates. Both ships sustained some damage but continued their journeys without injuries, as confirmed by the maritime agency.
