The United States has launched fresh military strikes against Iran and reinstated oil sanctions following attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation severely threatens a fragile ceasefire agreement reached just last month.
On Tuesday, the US military targeted Iranian air defense systems, cruise missiles, and drone launch sites. The strikes hit several locations, including Iran’s main oil export hub on Kharg Island and the southern port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas. While no civilian deaths were reported, several people in Sirik were injured by shrapnel.
The move came after three tankers were hit by projectiles in the strategic waterway. Qatar reported that one of its LNG tankers was struck by a drone, causing an engine-room fire. A Saudi-flagged supertanker was also damaged.
In addition to the military response, Washington revoked a license that had allowed Iran to sell oil on international markets. Iran now has until July 17 to wind down these transactions. Consequently, global oil prices surged by more than 3%.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) called the shipping attacks a "clear violation of the ceasefire". Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US actions as a breach of the framework agreement, warning that Washington would bear the consequences. The renewed hostilities follow a period of mourning in Iran for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the conflict in February. Tehran continues to assert its right to control the Strait of Hormuz, a move analysts say is intended to gain leverage in long-term peace negotiations.
