Washington launched new large-scale strikes against Iran after three commercial vessels were hit in the Strait of Hormuz. It blamed Tehran for the attacks and at the same time revoked a temporary license allowing Iran to sell oil on international markets.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had struck more than 80 targets in the latest operation. They included air defense systems, command and control centers, coastal radar stations, anti-ship missile systems, drone launch sites and more than 60 small vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US military, the aim was to weaken Iran’s ability to continue attacks on international shipping. CENTCOM described Tehran’s actions as “a clear and dangerous violation of the ceasefire” that undermined freedom of navigation on one of the world’s most important trade routes.
Axios, citing a US administration official, reported that the latest US strikes were four to five times larger than the operations carried out in June.
Tehran Threatens Harsh Retaliation
Iran responded with sharp criticism. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s top joint military command, denounced the US strikes as a “blatant act of aggression” and threatened a “crushing response”. It also warned that Tehran would not allow the United States to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Initial reports suggest that Iran may already have taken its first retaliatory steps.
On Wednesday, the Kuwaiti military said its air defense systems were responding to enemy drone and missile attacks. At the same time, Bahrain activated its air raid sirens, and the country’s Ministry of Interior urged residents to seek the nearest safe shelter. The Kuwaiti military did not specify the origin of the attacks but said its air defense systems were intercepting enemy targets.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Washington of repeatedly violating the memorandum under which a temporary ceasefire had been agreed. In a statement, it said Iran would take all measures it deemed necessary to protect its interests and national security.
Local media reported a series of explosions in southern Iran. Blasts were reported on the islands of Qeshm and Kharg, as well as in the port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas. Press TV reported that several explosions were heard on Kharg Island. Iranian state media also said several people had been injured, while fishing piers were damaged and several boats caught fire.
Reports of explosions on Kharg Island, through which about 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports pass, drew particular attention. CENTCOM’s statement made no mention of a strike against the strategic terminal.
Washington Steps Up Economic Pressure
In parallel with the military operation, the United States revoked a license issued on 22 June that had allowed the sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals and petroleum products on global markets until 21 August.
The US Department of the Treasury gave Iran until 17 July to wind down any ongoing transactions. The decision immediately moved global markets, with oil prices rising by more than 3% after Washington’s announcement.
Iran described the revocation of the license as a violation of the framework agreement, which was intended to create space for negotiations on a lasting peace.
Attacks on Tankers Escalate Tensions
The immediate trigger for the US response was a series of attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar accused Iran of attacking the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker Al Rekayyat, which it said had been hit by a drone that caused a fire in its engine room. The crew were safe and later evacuated.
A Saudi-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Oman was also damaged. The cause of the incident has not yet been officially confirmed.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and handed him a note of protest. Tehran rejected the accusations and said commercial vessels faced risks if they used routes not coordinated with Iranian authorities.
According to Reuters, US officials assessed that initial information suggested Iranian forces had fired at three commercial vessels.
Negotiations Remain at an Impasse
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was intended to create a 60-day window to reach a lasting agreement after the war that began in February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran. However, indirect talks mediated by Qatar ended last week without any sign of progress.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned in recent days that if the talks fail, the bombing will continue. On Monday, he told reporters in the Oval Office: “We’re either going to make a deal or we’re going to finish the job... We can knock down their bridges in one hour, we can knock out their energy supply.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, meanwhile, said negotiations on a final agreement would “not commence if threats continue”.
Tensions in the region are further heightened by mourning ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the war along with several members of his family. The Iranian leadership is also using the funeral ceremonies to demonstrate the regime’s stability amid the ongoing confrontation with Washington.
(Reuters, TASR, MJA)