The US military has launched a series of strikes against Iranian targets after three merchant ships were struck in the waters off Oman
The US military has begun launching a series of “powerful” strikes against Iranian targets after three merchant ships were struck in the waters off Oman.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday that American forces are carrying out the strikes “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway”.
It comes after three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz overnight on Tuesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre said. The fresh attacks in the fuel-shipping waterway were the most in a single day since late April, according to the UN International Maritime Organisation.
Referring to the attacks on three merchants ships. CENTCOM said in its statement: “Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
Hours after the attacks, the US revoked the 60-day license issued last month by the Treasury Department that waived sanctions on Iranian oil.
A US official told The Associated Press the license was revoked because Iran’s actions in the strait were unacceptable and needed to be met with consequences.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
One tanker was travelling off the coast of Oman when it was hit and caught fire, the UKTMO said. Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.
The other two ships sustained some damage, but no one was injured, and both continued on their way, the UKMTO said.
