The U.S. military initiated a “strong offensive” against Iran on Tuesday following Iran’s attacks on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz within the last 24 hours. U.S. officials interpret these actions as a breach of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding.
In a statement, U.S. Central Command explained, “We have launched a series of significant attacks against Iran to impose substantial costs for targeting commercial vessels with innocent civilians in international waters.”
This military response aimed to counter Iran’s recent strikes on merchant ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials described Iran’s aggressive behavior as unjustifiable, perilous, and a clear violation of a ceasefire agreement.
Reports from Iranian state media indicated multiple explosions heard close to the coastal area of Sirik and Qeshm Island in southern Iran.
The last U.S. military operation against Iran took place late last month in retaliation for a drone attack on a cargo ship in the same strait. In a June 26 airstrike, U.S. forces targeted Iranian drone storage and coastal radar facilities.
CENTCOM’s latest actions follow the U.S.’s recent revocation of an exemption that allowed Iran to export oil under the terms of the MOU.
As for Iran, the regime had vowed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and cease attacks on passing ships, although they have not followed through yet. Earlier this week, Iran fired upon a Qatari-flagged tanker and attacked two tankers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, causing damage and igniting fires aboard them.
A U.S. official stated, “Iran’s actions in the Straits are entirely unacceptable and will have consequences.” However, they added that U.S. negotiators continue to strive for a final agreement.
This military escalation coincided with President Trump’s attendance at a NATO summit in Turkey, where he commended Turkey for their support regarding the Iran situation. He also criticized leaders from Britain, Italy, Germany, and France for not allowing the use of their bases to strike Iran and for hesitating to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
