The U.S. military conducted "powerful strikes" against Iran on Tuesday, responding to Tehran's recent attacks on three commercial ships in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated that these actions were intended to impose "heavy costs" for the violations.
According to a statement from the combatant command, the strikes were a direct response to Iran's aggression against commercial shipping. U.S. officials characterized Iran's actions as unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear breach of a ceasefire agreement. The attacks on the vessels, which were transiting an international waterway, involved crews of innocent civilians.
The military action followed shortly after the U.S. revoked a waiver on Iranian oil sanctions. This waiver had been granted to Tehran as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two nations.