The United States has launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran while revoking a key licence that had allowed Tehran to export oil, dramatically increasing tensions despite a fragile ceasefire reached last month.
The latest escalation came after three commercial vessels were reportedly struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, further threatening regional stability and raising fears that the temporary truce could collapse.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that it had begun operations targeting what it described as Iran’s military capabilities, saying the strikes were intended to impose “heavy costs”. The military accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire, calling its actions “unwarranted, dangerous and a clear violation” of the agreement.
According to a US official, the strikes targeted Iranian air defence systems, coastal surveillance facilities, surface-to-air missile sites, anti-ship cruise missile positions and drone launch locations.
Iranian state media reported explosions early Wednesday on Kharg Island, Qeshm Island, Sirik and Bandar Abbas. Several people were reportedly injured by shrapnel after a projectile struck a commercial pier in Sirik, while fishing piers and several fishing boats were also damaged. No civilian deaths were immediately reported.
Press TV also reported multiple explosions on Kharg Island, the terminal responsible for around 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil exports. However, the broadcaster did not confirm the cause of the blasts or provide details on casualties or damage. The US military has not confirmed striking the island.
At the same time, Washington withdrew a general licence issued on June 22 that had temporarily allowed Iran to sell crude oil and petroleum products on international markets until August 21. Under the new directive, Iran has until July 17 to wind down all transactions covered by the licence.
The move pushed global oil prices up by more than three per cent as markets reacted to growing concerns over energy supplies.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, accusing Washington of breaching the framework agreement that halted the conflict. Tehran warned it would take whatever measures it considered necessary to protect its national interests and security.
Maritime tensions also intensified after Qatar accused Iran of attacking three vessels, including the Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al Rekayyat, which reportedly caught fire in its engine room after being hit by a drone. All crew members were reported safe and were being evacuated.
A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker believed to be the supertanker Wedyan was also damaged off the coast of Oman, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and lodged an official protest over the alleged attack. Iran rejected the accusations, calling them puzzling, while insisting it was honouring its commitments and arguing that commercial vessels faced risks when using routes not coordinated with Tehran.
The renewed military action came just hours after thousands of mourners gathered in the holy city of Qom to pay tribute to Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening day of the conflict alongside several members of his family. Iranian state television later broadcast footage showing what it said was an aircraft carrying Khamenei’s coffin to the Iraqi holy city of Najaf for funeral ceremonies.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had travelled to Iraq to attend the funeral, returned to Iran following news of the latest US strikes.
The ceasefire, agreed after months of conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, was intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent settlement. However, indirect talks held in Qatar ended last week without any significant progress.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. On Monday, he said the United States would either reach a deal with Iran or “finish the job”, adding that American forces could rapidly target Iran’s infrastructure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi maintained that negotiations on a long-term agreement cannot proceed while military threats continue, signalling that prospects for a lasting peace remain uncertain.
