US Launches Airstrikes on Iran After Oil Tanker Attacks

Washington DC. After attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has launched powerful airstrikes on dozens of Iranian military targets. The US Central Command (Centcom) stated on Tuesday that more than 80 targets were attacked.

According to Centcom, the attacks targeted more than 60 small boats, missile launch sites, and military command centers belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz region. Centcom has not publicly disclosed the specific locations of the attacks.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister stated that the US action is a violation of the understanding agreement reached between the US and Iran last month. He warned that Tehran would take decisive steps to protect its national interests and security. According to Iranian state media, the US attacks occurred in the areas of Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik. It has been reported that some civilians were injured by shrapnel from explosions during the attacks.

Iran has not formally claimed responsibility for the attacks on the three oil tankers. The US has stated that attacks on commercial ships operated by innocent civilians in international waterways are completely unacceptable and must be paid for. Centcom clarified that its actions were in response to attacks targeting commercial vessels.

Earlier, the US Treasury Department had also canceled the temporary easing of oil sanctions on Iran. This provision was part of an understanding reached between the US and Iran last month. Iran's Foreign Ministry, however, called the US decision a violation of the agreement and evidence of Washington's repeated untrustworthy and inconsistent behavior.

Despite the attacks, US officials have stated that diplomatic talks with Iran will continue for a final agreement. According to a US official, Washington still maintains a policy of advancing goodwill negotiations.