The United States military launched retaliatory strikes on targets around the Strait of Hormuz late Wednesday, following Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels near Oman. Explosions and flames were reported in Iran as US forces hit more than 80 targets, according to US officials.
Details of the strikes
US officials said the strikes targeted air defence systems, command and control networks, and anti-ship missile capabilities. Additionally, more than 60 small boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were destroyed. The operation was in direct response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the region, which the US says threatened international navigation.
US revokes sanctions waiver
Alongside the military action, the US revoked a temporary sanctions waiver that had allowed Tehran to export oil. This move escalates economic pressure on Iran, which has been under heavy US sanctions since the Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear deal.
Iran's response
Iran accused the United States of violating the agreement aimed at ending the war and retaliated by launching attacks on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. The attacks raise fears of a broader conflict in the region, with both sides trading blame for the escalation.
Background
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and any disruption to shipping there can have significant economic consequences. The US has previously accused Iran of targeting commercial vessels in the area, and the latest incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities.
