U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Iran Over Tanker Attacks in Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. military began strikes on Iran on Tuesday in retaliation for Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks, which included drone strikes and unknown projectiles, threaten to unravel fragile diplomatic efforts to secure the maritime chokepoint.
The Iranian attacks on commercial shipping vessels came after Iran’s drone strike on a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel last week and shortly after Washington and Tehran had agreed to suspend hostilities and pursue indirect negotiations on maritime security following months of military confrontation.
According to the advisories, one of the attacks was carried out by an uncrewed aerial vehicle, or drone, while the other two tankers were targeted by unknown projectiles.
The Maritime Trade Operations agency issued warnings of one attack on Monday and two on Tuesday, without naming the vessels targeted.
In a statement on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran’s targeting of the Vijian, a Saudi tanker, and the Rakiyat, a Qatari tanker.
According, the retaliatory strikes came in response to attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the past two days on three commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tags: Iran, Attack, War & Conflict, USA, Qatar, Hormuz Strait