The US military has initiated a series of significant strikes against Iranian targets following the recent attack on three merchant ships near Oman’s waters.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces are conducting these strikes to hold accountable those responsible for targeting and endangering innocent civilians aboard commercial vessels in international waters.
The attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz occurred overnight on Tuesday, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. These assaults mark the highest number of incidents in a single day since late April, according to the UN International Maritime Organization.
In response to the merchant ships’ attacks, CENTCOM condemned Iran’s aggression as unjustified, perilous, and a clear breach of the ceasefire.
Shortly after the assaults, the US government revoked the 60-day license, issued last month by the Treasury Department, which had waived sanctions on Iranian oil. A US official stated that the license was rescinded due to Iran’s unacceptable actions in the strait, necessitating consequences.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not promptly provide a comment following the incidents.
One of the tankers, located off the coast of Oman, was struck and set ablaze, as confirmed by the UKTMO. Iranian state television mentioned that the liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after reportedly disregarding warnings but did not directly claim responsibility for the incident.
The other two vessels were also targeted near Oman or the neighboring United Arab Emirates, based on location data from UKMTO. Although both ships sustained damage, no injuries were reported, and they were able to continue their voyage, according to the maritime agency.