Iran Strikes Three Ships in Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Responds with Military Action

Jul 7 ETDeveloping

World Desk

In Short: The U.S. military attacked Iran after it claimed to have struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region.

Iran claimed to have attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a U.S. military response that included hitting Iranian targets such as air defense systems and small boats used by the Revolutionary Guard.

The U.S. also revoked Iran's ability to sell crude oil openly, citing unacceptable actions in the strait. Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, while the U.S. military targeted Iranian defenses and paramilitary forces.

One of the ships, a Qatari LNG tanker, was hit and caught fire, while the other two sustained minor damage and continued their journey. The attacks occurred near Oman's coast, contrary to a route ordered by Tehran.

The funeral of a prominent figure, which was expected to lower tensions, instead saw calls for the deaths of U.S. and Israeli leaders, indicating ongoing hostility despite the event.

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The U.S. military attacked Iran early Wednesday after it said Tehran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, part of an American effort that also revoked the Islamic Republic’s ability to openly sell crude oil in…
The funeral, which ends Thursday, had been thought to be a period of lower tensions — though mourners have repeatedly called for the killings of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
It said it hit Iranian targets including air defense systems, radars and over 60 small boats used by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
Iranian state media reported the sound of explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm and Sirik.
“Under no circumstances will (the Iranian armed forces) allow interference in the affairs of the Strait of Hormuz, nor will they permit others to manage it,” it said.
A U.S. official said the license was revoked because Iran’s actions in the strait were unacceptable and needed to be met with consequences.
One tanker was traveling off the coast of Oman when it was hit and caught fire, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.
Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.

Sources

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