US launches new strikes on Iran after reinstating oil sanctions over shipping attacks

The United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran on Tuesday while revoking a license that had allowed Tehran to sell oil on international markets, escalating tensions despite a fragile ceasefire reached last month.

The strikes came after three commercial vessels were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, further threatening stability in one of the world's most important shipping lanes. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was intended to impose "heavy costs" on Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the ceasefire through what it described as aggressive actions.

Iranian media reported explosions early Wednesday in the southern port city of Sirik, on Qeshm Island, and in Bandar Abbas. Officials said several people were injured by shrapnel after an enemy projectile struck a commercial pier in Sirik. Fishing piers in Sirik and Bandar Abbas were also reportedly hit, with several fishing boats catching fire.

A U.S. official told Reuters that the strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missile sites, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drone launch facilities.

The military action came as Washington withdrew a key concession that had allowed Iran to export crude oil, petrochemical products, and petroleum products under a temporary license issued in June. The U.S. Treasury gave Iran until July 17 to wind down transactions previously authorized under the license.

Oil prices rose more than 3% following the U.S. announcement.

Despite the latest escalation, U.S. officials said negotiations toward a permanent agreement with Iran were continuing. Analysts said Iran's strategic position along the Strait of Hormuz gives it significant leverage, with attacks on commercial shipping serving as a reminder of its ability to disrupt global energy supplies during negotiations.

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. decision to revoke the oil license, calling it a violation of the interim agreement and warning that Washington would be responsible for the consequences. The ministry also said Iran would take any measures necessary to protect its national interests and security.

Meanwhile, Qatar accused Iran of attacking three commercial vessels, including the Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al Rekayyat, which reportedly caught fire after being struck by a drone. The crew was safely evacuated. A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker was also reported damaged off the coast of Oman, although the cause was not immediately clear.

Qatar summoned Iran's deputy ambassador to deliver a formal protest over the attack. Iran rejected the accusations, saying it remained committed to the ceasefire while warning that vessels using routes not coordinated with Tehran faced increased risks.

The latest developments unfolded as hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in the Iranian holy city of Qom for the funeral procession of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed along with several family members during the opening day of the conflict. State media showed crowds carrying flags and banners while chanting vows of revenge.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had traveled to neighboring Iraq to attend funeral ceremonies, returned to Iran after the U.S. strikes, according to state television.

The ceasefire, intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations on a long-term agreement, has come under increasing strain after indirect talks in Qatar ended without a breakthrough.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that military operations could resume if negotiations fail, saying the United States would either reach an agreement with Iran or "finish the job."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded that negotiations on a final agreement could not move forward while military threats continued.

The conflict began in February after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iran, with Washington saying its objectives were to curb Iran's nuclear and missile programs and reduce its ability to threaten neighboring countries. While U.S. officials maintain that a permanent agreement could prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, Tehran has consistently denied seeking one. -Reporting by a Reuters team in Tehran and Reuters bureauxWriting by Peter Graff, William Maclean and David Morgan; Editing by Ros Russell, Sanjeev Miglani, Don Durfee and Lincoln Feast./Reuters