US attacks Iran again amid Strait of Hormuz tanker dispute

The U.S. military has attacked targets in Iran, citing a series of "intense attacks" as retaliation for assaults on multiple tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) stated that Washington holds Tehran responsible for the attacks on commercial ships in an international waterway, deeming Iran's actions "unfounded, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire."

The U.S. military's action follows reports of several tankers being hit near the strategically vital strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a drone strike damaging a tanker, while another vessel was hit by a projectile. The Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker 'al-Rekajat' sustained severe damage from an "unknown projectile," with Qatar holding Iran responsible and warning of a threat to international shipping and global energy supplies.

While it remained unclear if the reports referred to the same incident or who was behind the attacks, Washington explicitly blamed Tehran for assaults on three commercial ships. Iran had not officially commented, but had previously stated that only routes designated by them were safe. In response to the tanker attacks, the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil, revoking a previously granted exemption, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

The new U.S. strikes heighten the risk of renewed military escalation in the region. This comes after a preliminary agreement was reached last month following weeks of fighting between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, intended to pave the way for deeper negotiations, which are currently stalled. U.S. President Donald Trump had recently threatened Iran again.