US launches strikes on Iranian targets amid temporary ceasefire
Fresh military action follows reported attacks on three merchant vessels in Strait of Hormuz, further straining fragile ceasefire efforts and nuclear negotiations
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — The United States launched a series of airstrikes against Iranian targets early Wednesday, saying the operation was carried out in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite an existing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
US Central Command said the strikes were intended to impose “heavy costs” on Iran following attacks on merchant vessels operating in the strategic waterway. The US accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire by targeting commercial ships and described the incidents as a threat to international maritime security.
The military action came hours after three merchant vessels were struck by projectiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
One liquefied natural gas tanker caught fire after being hit off the coast of Oman, while two other tankers sustained damage but continued their voyages. No casualties were reported.
Iranian state television acknowledged that the LNG tanker had come under attack after allegedly ignoring warnings but did not directly claim responsibility for the incident.
The attacks marked the highest number of shipping incidents reported in a single day in the Strait of Hormuz since late April, raising renewed concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important energy corridors, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade normally passes.
Following the maritime attacks, the United States also revoked a 60-day sanctions waiver that had temporarily allowed the production and sale of Iranian oil as part of an interim agreement reached after the recent conflict.
A US official said the decision reflected Washington’s view that Iran’s actions in the Strait were unacceptable and warranted immediate consequences.
The waiver, issued last month, had been intended to encourage broader negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities earlier this year.
Diplomatic efforts now appear to have stalled, with talks between Washington and Tehran reportedly remaining on hold until after the burial of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Qatar strongly condemned the attack on one of its LNG tankers, calling it a serious violation of international law and international navigation. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said Iran bears full legal responsibility for the incident.
Maritime authorities said all three attacks occurred near the Omani and Emirati coasts, along shipping routes commonly used to avoid Iranian-controlled waters.
The Joint Maritime Information Center has continued advising commercial vessels that alternative routes near Oman remain open for international traffic.
The latest escalation threatens renewed instability in the Gulf and raises fresh concerns over global energy supplies, with shipping security once again emerging as a central issue in the deteriorating relationship between the United States and Iran.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
