US launches new strikes against Iranian targets

The U.S. military conducted a series of strikes against Iran early Wednesday, following attacks that hit three merchant ships in the waters off Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. These renewed assaults from both sides jeopardize the interim deal reached last month, with both the U.S. and Iran asserting that the strikes violate the initial agreement.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the strikes via social media, stating American forces launched them "to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway." CENTCOM further characterized Iran's actions as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire."

The latest exchange echoes a similar pattern of Iranian attacks on shipping and U.S. retaliation seen late last month. Hours after the three tankers were struck, the United States revoked a license that had authorized the sale of Iranian oil, a measure that was part of the interim deal aimed at ending hostilities.

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American forces launched the strikes “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”

These new assaults in the vital fuel-shipping waterway represent the most significant single-day escalation since late April, according to the UN International Maritime Organization. The attacks threaten to disrupt traffic in the strait at a time when global efforts are underway to restore normal shipping practices and alleviate the economic strain caused by ongoing conflicts.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, stated that the license revocation was a consequence of Iran's unacceptable actions in the strait. The Iranian mission to the United Nations had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

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