The US military carried out what it called a series of powerful strikes against Iran on Wednesday and withdrew permission for the country to sell oil. The action followed Iranian attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command stated that its forces had started strikes to impose costs for targeting commercial shipping with civilian crews in an international route. The strikes responded to attacks on three vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian actions were described as unwarranted, dangerous, and a breach of the ceasefire.
A US official said the targets included Iranian air defence systems, coastal surveillance, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles and drone sites.
Iranian media reported explosions in Sirik on Qeshm Island and in Bandar Abbas. The strikes damaged a commercial pier in Sirik and fishing piers in both locations.
Alongside the strikes, the US Treasury Department revoked a licence authorising Iranian oil sales, calling Tehran’s moves in the Strait of Hormuz unacceptable and subject to consequences.
Under an interim agreement, a general licence had been issued on 22 June allowing sales of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products until 21 August. After revocation, Iran was given until 17 July to conclude any deals.
On Tuesday, Iran struck three vessels including a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker was also damaged off Oman.
Iranian state television said the Qatari tanker was attacked after ignoring warnings, though Tehran did not claim responsibility directly.
Iran has sought control of the Strait of Hormuz under the interim deal while talks continue toward a final agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that final deal negotiations would not start if threats persist.
The events occurred during funeral proceedings for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. After prayers in Tehran, caskets were taken through Qom where large crowds carried flags and banners. Some chanted vows of revenge and displayed placards reading “KILL TRUMP”.
Iranian media later showed footage of an aircraft carrying the coffin arriving in Najaf, Iraq.
