On Tuesday, the US launched powerful strikes on Iran in response to attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with US Central Command hitting over 80 targets, including more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats. The strikes, which also targeted Iranian missile launch sites and command centres, were carried out to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent individuals in an international waterway. Iranian state media reported that strikes hit Qeshm island, Bandar Abbas and Sirik, resulting in injuries from shrapnel. The IRGC responded with retaliatory attacks on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, launching missiles and drones at 85 key US military facilities, including a US Navy headquarters and an air base in Kuwait. The US had previously revoked a waiver that had temporarily lifted oil sanctions on Iran, prompting Iran’s foreign ministry to call the move a breach of the memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran last month. Qatar and Saudi Arabia also denounced the attacks, blaming Iran for targeting their tankers in the strait. The UKMTO reported several incidents of tankers being hit or sustaining damage while transiting the strait, with one tanker catching fire after being struck by an unknown projectile. The situation has escalated tensions in the region, with Iran warning it will take decisive measures in response to the US attacks.
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📰 Source: BBC World