US launches new strikes against Iran after ship attacks

The United States has initiated a series of powerful strikes against Iran, a move that escalates tensions following attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces began the strikes "to impose high costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping with innocent individuals in an international waterway."

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American forces began the strikes to impose high costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping with innocent individuals in an international waterway.

The U.S. justification for the strikes, communicated via X, cited Iran's "demonstrated aggression" as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire." This exchange follows similar Iranian attacks on shipping and subsequent U.S. retaliation late last month. The latest assaults are the most significant in a single day since late April, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which reported three tankers damaged within a 24-hour period.

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Iran's demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.

Adding to the pressure, the U.S. Department of the Treasury revoked an exemption from sanctions that had temporarily suspended oil sanctions on Iran. This license, part of a memorandum of understanding signed last month, allowed Tehran to sell oil and petroleum products. A transitional period for transactions previously permitted by this exemption is set to end on July 17.

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American negotiators will continue to work 'in good faith' toward a final agreement with Iran.

Despite the escalation, a U.S. official speaking anonymously suggested that American negotiators would continue to work "in good faith" toward a final agreement with Iran. However, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have condemned the attacks on their vessels, with Qatar holding Iran "fully responsible" for an apparent targeted attack on the Al-Rekayyat vessel. Saudi Arabia described the attacks as a threat to navigation and global energy supplies. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman has so far only commented on Qatar's accusations, calling them contrary to good neighborly relations.

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Qatar holds Iran 'fully responsible' for an apparent targeted attack on the Al-Rekayyat vessel.