The United States has launched airstrikes against Iran in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz Strait. On the same day, the U.S. revoked a sanctions waiver that had allowed the sale of Iranian oil, increasing both military and economic pressure on Tehran.
According to the Financial Times, U.S. Central Command began a series of airstrikes against Iran on July 7. Central Command described the strikes as a measure to ensure that Iran pays a "heavy price" for attacking civilian vessels in international waters.
Central Command characterized Iran's attacks on commercial ships as a clear violation of the ceasefire. The airstrikes followed recent incidents in which three commercial vessels were struck near the Hormuz Strait.
Reuters previously reported that a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and a Saudi oil tanker were among the vessels attacked. U.S. officials believe that Iran was involved based on initial assessments.
On the same day, the U.S. Treasury Department canceled a general license that had permitted the sale of Iranian oil. This license was a temporary measure issued after the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), allowing for a 60-day follow-up negotiation period.
The U.S. appears to be signaling that any easing of sanctions or progress in negotiations will be difficult as long as Iran continues to threaten the safety of commercial vessels. If Iran retaliates, subsequent negotiations may revert to a state of conflict management.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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