Washington — On July 7, 2026, U.S. forces initiated strikes against Iran in retaliation for attacks on three commercial tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. These assaults, carried out over the past two days by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, included one attack by a drone and two by unknown projectiles, according to Maritime Trade Operations advisories.
Two U.S. officials confirmed the attacks, which represent a significant escalation threatening ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure this vital maritime chokepoint. The incidents follow a recent drone strike by Iran on a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel and come shortly after Washington and Tehran agreed to suspend hostilities and pursue indirect negotiations on maritime security.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Iran's targeting of the Saudi tanker Vijian and the Qatari tanker Rakiyat. Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, criticized the U.S. revocation of Iranian oil sales licenses, calling it a "blatant violation of Article 10," and described the U.S. military actions as serious violations of Articles 1 and 2 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Gharibabadi also warned that Iran would "take decisive actions to safeguard its national interest and security" in response to Israel's activities in Lebanon and what he termed the U.S.' "threatening statements against Iran."
The U.S. characterized Iran's aggression as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire," emphasizing that Iran would only benefit from exhibiting good behavior. U.S. negotiators continue to work in good faith toward a final deal.
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