In brief
U.S. Central Command opened a series of powerful strikes against Iran after three tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. citing the need to impose heavy costs on attacks against innocent commercial shipping crews. No casualties were reported, and Iran has not claimed responsibility for the incidents. The Treasury Office revoked a sanctions waiver that had temporarily eased oil sanctions on Iran, setting a wind‑down period until 17 July. Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned the incidents, noting their own tankers were affected, while Iran’s foreign ministry spoke only of criticism toward Qatar and of risks to vessels not cooperating with Iranian authorities. U.S. officials say they will continue diplomatic engagement toward a final deal with Tehran in good faith while reaffirming that these strikes respond to Iran’s aggression and violate the cease‑fire agreement.
The US has launched powerful strikes on Iran after three commercial vessels were struck within a 24‑hour period in the Strait of Hormuz, the US Central Command said on Tuesday. The aim is to impose heavy costs on attacks that threaten innocent shipping crews in international waters.
The damaged tankers reported no casualties. Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attacks. US officials described the attacks as wholly unacceptable, warning of consequences for Iranian aggression.
The Treasury Office revoked a sanctions waiver that had temporarily lifted oil sanctions on Iran. Transactions that fell under the waiver will wind down by 17 July, the Treasury noted in a notice posted on its website.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia also condemned the incidents, each noting a tanker from their country was hit while transiting the Strait. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman eschewed a direct response, calling Qatar’s accusations contrary to good neighbourliness and stressing the risk to vessels not coordinated with Iranian authorities.
US negotiators will continue to work in good faith toward a final deal with Tehran, US authorities said, while reaffirming that the strikes were a direct response to Iranian aggression and a breach of the cease‑fire agreement.
