The US military has initiated a series of impactful strikes against Iranian targets following the recent attack on three merchant ships in the waters near Oman.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that American forces have commenced these strikes as a response to the targeting and assault on commercial ships crewed by innocent civilians in international waters, aiming to impose significant repercussions.
The incident occurred when three tankers were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz overnight on Tuesday, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. These new assaults in the vital fuel-shipping passage marked the highest number of attacks in a single day since late April, according to the UN International Maritime Organization.
In response to the attacks on the merchant vessels, CENTCOM condemned Iran’s aggressive actions as unjustified, dangerous, and a clear breach of the ceasefire agreement.
Shortly after the attacks, the US canceled the 60-day license issued by the Treasury Department last month, which had waived sanctions on Iranian oil. An official from the US stated that the license revocation was prompted by Iran’s unacceptable behavior in the strait and the need for consequences.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not provide an immediate response to requests for comments on the situation.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, one tanker was struck and ignited off the coast of Oman. Iranian state media indicated that the liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after allegedly disregarding warnings, although direct responsibility for the assault was not claimed.
Location data from UKMTO revealed that the other two ships were also targeted off the coast of Oman or the nearby United Arab Emirates. While both vessels sustained some damage, no injuries were reported, and they were able to continue their voyages, as confirmed by the maritime agency.
