The United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran after revoking a temporary license that had allowed Tehran to sell oil, following attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The developments have heightened tensions and placed additional strain on the fragile ceasefire reached between the two countries last month.
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According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), more than 80 targets across Iran were struck, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance sites, anti-ship cruise missile positions, surface-to-air missile systems, drone launch facilities and dozens of small boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US officials said the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s capability to threaten commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.
Iran condemned the strikes as a violation of the ceasefire and warned of a strong response. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters described the attacks as a “blatant act of aggression,” while the foreign ministry said Tehran would take all necessary measures to protect its national security and interests.
Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island and Kharg Island. Officials said several people were injured by shrapnel after a projectile struck a commercial pier in Sirik, while fishing boats were reportedly damaged in coastal areas. No civilian deaths were immediately reported.
The escalation came after three commercial vessels, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, were reportedly struck in or near the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar accused Iran of responsibility for the attacks and lodged a formal diplomatic protest, while Tehran denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, Washington withdrew the general license that had permitted limited Iranian oil exports, giving businesses until July 17 to wind down transactions. The move is expected to increase economic pressure on Tehran and complicate efforts to reach a permanent agreement through ongoing negotiations.
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Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the ceasefire as regional security concerns continue to intensify.