US Launches Airstrikes on Iran After Attacks on Commercial Ships in Strait of Hormuz
The United States military says it has launched airstrikes against Iran after attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes began on Tuesday in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial ships passing through the strategic waterway.
Iranian media reported explosions in several locations, including the southern port city of Sirik, Qeshm Island, and Bandar Abbas.
According to Al Jazeera, multiple explosions were heard on Qeshm Island and near Sirik Port, both of which are strategically important to Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the strikes, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the United States of violating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in June. The agreement was intended to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of the US naval blockade.
The latest escalation also came after the US Treasury Department revoked a temporary waiver that had allowed Iran to sell oil for 60 days. The decision followed attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
One of the affected vessels, a Qatari LNG tanker, caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. A Saudi flagged oil tanker was also reportedly damaged in a separate incident.
A US official described the attacks on commercial shipping as “wholly unacceptable” and warned that Iran would face consequences. In response, Iran said it would take any measures it considers necessary to protect its national security and interests.
