The US military has begun launching powerful airstrikes in retaliation for Iranian forces' attacks on civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command posted on X, formerly Twitter, Friday that it had "initiated a series of powerful airstrikes in response to attacks targeting merchant vessels carrying innocent civilians in international waters." It added that Iran would "pay a heavy price," noting that "Iran's attacks are not only dangerous but also a clear violation of the ceasefire."
US online outlet Axios reported that Iranian forces fired at least two missiles at merchant vessels passing through the strait that day. According to US sources, both vessels sustained significant damage but there were no casualties. According to the Qatari government and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a total of three vessels — one Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and two oil tankers — were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz starting the previous day.
Earlier that day, the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also announced that, in response to the attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, it was revoking the 60-day temporary general license issued on the 21st of last month to permit the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil. This came about 20 days after the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities between the United States and Iran took effect on the 18th of last month.
