The United States launched a series of military strikes on Iranian targets early Wednesday following attacks on three commercial vessels in waters off Oman, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.

In a statement, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) accused Iran of targeting merchant ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and said the strikes were intended to impose “heavy costs” on Tehran.

US says strikes were punishment for tanker attacks

CENTCOM said the military operation was launched in response to attacks on three commercial vessels carrying civilian crews through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.

The command described Iran’s actions as “unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire”, adding that the strikes aimed to protect international shipping and deter further attacks.

A US official told CNN that the operation was intended as “punishment, not proportional”, indicating that further military action could continue.

Oil licence revoked before military action

The strikes came shortly after Washington revoked a temporary 60-day licence that had authorised the sale of Iranian oil under an interim agreement designed to ease hostilities between the two countries.

US officials said the licence was withdrawn because Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz were “unacceptable” and required consequences. The move followed projectile attacks on three oil tankers, the largest number of such incidents reported in a single day since late April, according to the UN’s International Maritime Organization.

The renewed attacks have raised concerns about disruptions to global oil supplies and international trade through the strategically important waterway.

Iran vows to respond

Iran condemned the US military action and said it would take all measures necessary to protect its national security.

Tehran also accused Washington of violating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement that had helped secure a temporary halt in fighting. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the United States would bear responsibility for the consequences of breaching the agreement, while Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated the accusation in a post on social media.

The latest developments have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with global markets closely watching the security situation in the Gulf.