US Strikes Iran Again, Claims Response to Attack on Three Merchant Ships in Strait of Hormuz
Summary: The US launched a series of military strikes against Iran in response to attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (Centcom) on Tuesday (7/7/2026) announced it had begun strikes on targets in Iran. Washington had warned there would be consequences for what it called unacceptable attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
TRIBUNJOGJA.COM, TEHRAN - The United States (US) launched a series of military strikes against Iran in response to attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command (Centcom) on Tuesday (7/7/2026) announced it had begun strikes on targets in Iran.
In a statement, as quoted by the BBC, Centcom said the operation aimed to impose a heavy cost on Iran for attacking merchant ships in international waters, which it considered a violation of the ceasefire.
"Iran showed unjustified, dangerous aggression and a clear violation of the ceasefire," Centcom said.
Previously, Washington had warned there would be consequences for what it called unacceptable attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iranian government media reported that US strikes hit Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik.
The report said several residents were injured by shrapnel, but there have been no reports of casualties so far.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister condemned the US strikes and called them a violation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Washington and Tehran last month.
He emphasized that Iran would take necessary steps to protect its national interests and security.
Before the military strikes began, the US Treasury Department had earlier lifted temporary exemptions on Iran's oil sanctions on Tuesday.
The license had previously allowed Iran to sell oil and fuel products as part of the two countries' memorandum of understanding.
Iran said the revocation was a violation of the agreement and demonstrated bad faith, inconsistency, and unreliability of the US government.
Nevertheless, a US official speaking anonymously before the announcement of the strikes said Washington's negotiators would continue efforts to reach a final agreement with Iran.
Iran accused of attacking Qatari and Saudi ships Qatar and Saudi Arabia separately accused Iran of attacking their tankers while passing through or near the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Kompas.com
