The United States launched new strikes on Iran early Wednesday after three merchant ships were hit in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions and threatening a fragile ceasefire aimed at ending the war and reopening the key global shipping route. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
Iran FM says US attacks violate treaty, warns of ‘decisive’ action
Iran’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the United States had repeatedly violated their agreed memorandum of understanding, and warned of retaliation following Washington’s strikes on targets in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran is issuing a serious warning about the consequences of America’s breach of the treaty, and will take decisive measures to protect its interests and national security,” the ministry said in a statement posted to Telegram by IRIB News.
Oil prices rise as Iran tensions escalate in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices settled 3% higher on Tuesday and extended gains after settlement, following Iran’s attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the US revoking a general licence authorising the sale of Iranian crude, and later launching new strikes against Iran.
US launches strikes on Iran after attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz
The US military launched new strikes against Iran early Wednesday, hours after three merchant ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, in the latest exchange of fire to threaten the interim deal to end the fighting between the two countries.
The renewed attacks were sure to add to the difficulty of the negotiations aimed at fully reopening the strait, rolling back Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme and reaching a permanent end to the war launched on February 28.
In a statement posted to social media, US Central Command said American forces launched the strikes “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”
“Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” the command said in its statement.
Welcome to the France 24 liveblog covering events in the Middle East. You can catch up on recent developments here.
Yesterday’s key developments:
• The United States reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil, warning Tehran would face consequences over attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The body of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei arrived in Iraq ahead of funeral processions through the holy Shia cities of Najaf and Karbala, where millions of mourners are expected to pay their respects at some of Islam’s most revered shrines.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and US President Donald Trump remain aligned on the key issues surrounding Iran, insisting the two leaders “see eye to eye” on how to deal with Tehran.
