In a post on “X”, the US Central Command said that the forces have begun launching a “series of powerful strikes” against Iran to impose “heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”
The post went on to add that the US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and that Iran’s actions were “unwarranted, dangerous and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
According to the Joint Maritime Information Center, an LNG tanker, an oil supertanker and an unspecified third tanker were attacked at the crucial waterway on Tuesday.
The LNG tanker identity was confirmed by Qatar’s foreign ministry, calling it their tanker “Al-Rekayyat”, which was attacked while transiting the strait. The country also called on Iran to stop endangering global energy supply.
Iran, as per the MoU signed between the two nations, had promised a safe transport of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. There have been recent differences over future administration of the Strait and whether Iran and Oman will toll commercial vessels passing through the waterway, which controls over 20% of the global oil supply.
As a result, the threat level to ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz has been increased to “Severe”. The Joint Maritime Information Center also cautioned that “deliberate hostile action” is likely by Iran under current conditions.
In response, the US treasury has also revoked the sanction waiver granted to the sale of Iranian Oil, which was in effect till August 21. An official told CNBC that Iran will only reap the rewards if it exhibits good behavior.
Crude oil prices rebounded after the recent developments, with Brent crude gaining as much as 6%, while the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also reclaimed the mark of $70 a barrel.
