US strikes more than 80 Iranian targets after Hormuz attacks as tensions spike

In brief

The US has struck a number of targets in Iran in response to Iranian attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices spiked as the news broke, amid doubts about the durability of the US-Iran deal.

The United States military hit over 80 targets during its latest strikes on Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday, conducted in response to Iran's attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

"US forces struck Iranian defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats in and near the strait," the US military said in a statement posted to X.

CENTCOM said the "powerful" strikes were in response to Iranian attacks on ships transiting the vital waterway and would "impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping".

Iranian state media reported numerous explosions around the strait, including six on the island of Qeshm, seven in the city of Sirik and more in the major port city of Bandar Abbas.

Iran's foreign ministry accused the US of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding agreed between the two sides and threatened retaliation.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

"Iran is issuing a serious warning about the consequences of America's breach of the treaty, and will take decisive measures to protect its interests and national security," the ministry said in a statement carried by official media.

The strikes came shortly after the US revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil, raising pressure on Iran as it negotiates with the US over a final settlement to the conflict.

The US treasury department cancelled a license announced in June that had allowed Iran to produce, sell and deliver crude oil and related products through 21 August.

"Iran's actions in the Strait were wholly unacceptable to the United States and will be met with consequences," a US official told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US-Iran memorandum of understanding was "entirely performance-based", warning that Iran would see benefits only if it showed "good behaviour".

But US negotiators were continuing to work "in good faith towards a final deal," the official said.

British maritime security agency UKMTO said an "unknown projectile" hit a tanker overnight, causing a fire, before two more vessels were struck, at least one by a drone.

All three vessels were struck near Oman, which had proposed a temporary transit corridor along its coastline — an initiative opposed by Iran as it seeks to impose fees on ships using the narrow waterway.

Qatar said one of the vessels was its LNG tanker Al-Rekayyat and blamed Iran, denouncing an "unacceptable" attack on international maritime navigation.

Doha later summoned Iran's deputy ambassador to lodge a complaint, demanding an explanation and urging Iran to "immediately cease any practices undermining regional security."

"We hold Iran fully legally responsible for this attack and for any resulting damages or repercussions," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari wrote on X.

Iran voiced "dismay" over Qatar's accusations in a statement carried by state news agency IRNA, calling the claims "unacceptable."

Hormuz dispute

The attacks, which ended more than a week of relative calm, revived concerns over freedom of navigation after Iran lifted its blockade of the vital waterway following a fragile ceasefire with the US.

Oil prices rose by more than two per cent as the renewed attacks reignited worries over global energy supplies and cast doubt on the durability of the US-Iran agreement.

"We are now in a sensitive period where potential alternatives to an Iranian toll or fee system are being explored," Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King's College London, told AFP.

"Iran is sending a clear signal that no alternative will be accepted."

Krieg said tankers trying to diverge through the Omani maritime corridor without registering with Iran would be punished, and called the attacks a "clear violation" of the ceasefire agreement and international law.

Maritime traffic had tentatively resumed after Washington and Tehran signed the memorandum last month, but Iran has insisted there will be no return to pre-war arrangements, under which vessels could pass freely through the strait.

Under the 14-point US-Iran memorandum, Iran and Oman, which border Hormuz, must hold talks "to define the future administration and maritime services" in the waterway with other Gulf states.

Qatar had previously refused to mediate under Iranian fire as Tehran launched an unprecedented aerial bombardment against Gulf states in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes.

But Doha has since taken a more active role, hosting indirect talks between Iran and the US last week.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.