US military launches strikes against Iran in retaliation over attacks on commercial vessels
The US military has launched a series of strikes against Iran, US Central Command said Tuesday, adding that the strikes were in response to what it said were Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
“U.S. Central Command forces have begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping,” a US military statement said. “Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
It was unclear what specifically the U.S. targeted but Iranian media said six projectiles hit the area of Taheroui pier in Sirik in southern Iran. This marks the first known US military strikes against Iran since late last month, when there were several days of strikes and counterstrikes between the two.
Key events
Patrick Wintour
Earlier in the day, Qatar warned Iran it will bear full legal responsibility after three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel, were struck within hours in the strait of Hormuz.
All three were hit close to Oman, which had suggested a new shipping corridor close to its coastline – a proposal Iran opposes as it wants to charge ships to use the waterway.
Iran blamed the US for the incident, saying Washington’s efforts to open up new routes through the strait constituted a breach of the memorandum of understanding the two parties had signed.
Tehran claims the memorandum is specifically worded to leave it, in consultation with Oman, to manage the reopening of the strait with the aim of commercial traffic returning to prewar levels within 30 days.
At a briefing in Tehran, foreign ministry officials insisted Iran had a right to impose fees on all ships using the strait.
US military launches strikes against Iran in retaliation over attacks on commercial vessels
The US military has launched a series of strikes against Iran, US Central Command said Tuesday, adding that the strikes were in response to what it said were Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
“U.S. Central Command forces have begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping,” a US military statement said. “Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
It was unclear what specifically the U.S. targeted but Iranian media said six projectiles hit the area of Taheroui pier in Sirik in southern Iran. This marks the first known US military strikes against Iran since late last month, when there were several days of strikes and counterstrikes between the two.
