The United States launched 80 military strikes around the Strait of Hormuz early Wednesday, targeting Iranian air defense systems, command networks, anti-ship missiles, and over 60 small boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strikes came in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the strait on Tuesday, including a Qatari LNG tanker. Iran retaliated by attacking US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, with air raid sirens sounding three times in Bahrain and twice in Kuwait. The escalation has pushed oil prices sharply higher and threatens to unravel the ceasefire agreement signed on June 17.
Ceasefire Violations and Retaliatory Strikes
US Central Command stated that Iran's aggression was "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire." The three tankers hit were the Marshallese-flagged al Rekayyat (carrying Qatari LNG), the Saudi-flagged Wedyan, and the Liberian-flagged Cyprus Prosperity. The attack on al Rekayyat was particularly serious given Qatar's role as a mediator in US-Iran talks; Doha summoned the deputy Iranian ambassador to demand an explanation.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it targeted 85 US facilities in retaliation. The extent of damage remains unclear, but the attacks mark the latest in a series of ceasefire violations since the truce began in April. The June 17 memorandum of understanding (MOU) was supposed to trigger 60 days of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and a permanent end to hostilities, including a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Trump's Remarks and Escalation
Speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, President Donald Trump said, "They can talk, but I think they're wasting their time … They're a bunch of liars … They're liars, they're cheaters, they're sick people." He later warned, "I'll give a little warning. We're going to hit them hard tonight." Trump accused Tehran of trying to have him killed, stating, "I'm on every single one of their lists." He added, "We attacked those very dangerous people affiliated with Iran last night, with great force … They started firing missiles at ships yesterday. So we hit them very hard last night."
Trump signed off on the strikes while at the NATO summit. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backed the US actions, saying, "When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react."
Oil Price Surge and Diplomatic Fallout
The attacks pushed oil prices up sharply, as the Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of global oil and gas trade flows. The US revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil exports, which had been one of the first tangible benefits Tehran received for agreeing to lift its blockade of the strait. Iran's foreign ministry accused the US of violating the MOU by trying to open new sea lanes without Iranian permission. "Responsibility for the dangerous consequences of this escalation lies with the deceitful US regime," the ministry said.
Iran's central command, Khatam al-Anbiya, reiterated that "the only safe route for the passage of commercial ships and oil tankers in the strait is the route determined by the Islamic Republic of Iran." Tehran has proposed charging fees for security in the strait, a plan dismissed by Oman and seen as a violation of maritime law.
Context of the Conflict
The military exchanges coincided with the funeral of assassinated Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed by a US-Israeli airstrike at the start of the conflict. Vast crowds in Iraq and Iran demanded revenge. The US strikes also killed one IRGC naval officer in Bandar Mahshahr, Iran announced. Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island and in Sirik and Bandar Abbas.
The controversy stems partly from the US opening a southern route through the strait near Oman. Tehran claims this breaches the MOU clause that left Iran in control, though Iran is obligated to restore shipping traffic to prewar levels within 30 days, including demining. The diplomatic path forward remains uncertain, with Oman likely to reject Iran's fee proposal.
