US hits Iran sites, halts oil sales after 3 tankers struck
Why it matters: The move jolted oil prices more than 3% and put a June ceasefire at risk as Iran threatened a response.
The United States launched a new round of strikes on Iran on July 7 and revoked a license that had let Tehran sell oil internationally after three tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported explosions around Sirik, Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas early July 8, and state TV said shrapnel injured several people at a commercial pier in Sirik.
A US official said the targets included Iranian air defenses, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles and drone launch sites. Washington also gave Iran until July 17 to wind down oil transactions previously allowed through Aug. 21. Qatar blamed Iran for one vessel attack, including damage to the LNG tanker Al Rekayyat, while a Saudi-flagged tanker was also damaged off Oman.