US-Iran Ceasefire Risks Collapse as US Strikes Iranian Military Targets and Revokes Oil License
The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran faced significant challenges on Tuesday as the U.S. launched a series of military strikes against Iranian military installations and revoked a license permitting Iran to sell oil. These actions followed recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating concerns about a broader conflict despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain the truce.
In the wake of large-scale mourning for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Qom, U.S. Central Command reported that it had conducted strikes targeting over 80 locations, aiming to impose substantial costs on Iranian military capabilities.
US Targets IRGC Naval Assets
The U.S. military confirmed that more than 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were struck to diminish Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping. CENTCOM characterized the Iranian military’s actions as “unwarranted aggression,” asserting that they represented a serious violation of the ceasefire and compromised freedom of navigation in the region.
In response, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters condemned the U.S. strikes as a “blatant act of aggression,” warning of a “crushing response” and asserting that Tehran would not tolerate U.S. interference in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports from Iranian media indicated explosions early Wednesday at key locations, including Kharg Island, Qeshm Island, and the southern port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas. While no civilian casualties were reported, injuries occurred due to shrapnel from an “enemy projectile” that struck a commercial pier in Sirik. Additional strikes reportedly affected fishing piers in Sirik and Bandar Abbas, resulting in several fishing boats being set ablaze.
US Strikes Raise Gulf Tensions
Iran’s Press TV reported multiple explosions on Kharg Island, which is critical for Iran’s oil exports, accounting for 90% of the country’s crude oil output. However, CENTCOM’s statement did not address these incidents. The last U.S. attack on Kharg Island occurred in April.
A U.S. official indicated that the recent strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drone launch sites. These developments represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which had seen a temporary pause following a ceasefire agreement reached last month.
The U.S. also moved to revoke a key concession that had allowed Iran to sell oil on international markets, further straining the ceasefire.
Iran Warns Against US Interference
Despite ongoing negotiations, a U.S. official emphasized that discussions aimed at reaching a final agreement with Iran were continuing in good faith. However, the strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz has granted Iran considerable leverage, enabling it to maintain a stalemate against U.S. military power.
Under the interim agreement established in June, the U.S. Treasury had issued a license allowing the sale of Iranian crude oil and petrochemical products through August 21. The revocation of this license on Tuesday mandates that Iran wind down any transactions by July 17.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. decision as a violation of the ceasefire framework and asserted that Washington would bear the consequences. The ministry declared that Iran would take any necessary measures to protect its national interests and security.
Any Measure Necessary
Tensions escalated further when Qatar accused Iran of attacking several vessels, including the Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al Rekayyat, which was reportedly struck by a drone, causing a fire in its engine room. Fortunately, the crew was safe and evacuated. A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, believed to be the supertanker Wedyan, also sustained damage off the coast of Oman, although the cause remains unclear.
Qatar’s foreign ministry summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador to deliver a formal protest regarding the tanker attack. In response, Iran’s foreign ministry expressed confusion over Qatar’s accusations, asserting that Tehran was adhering to its commitments while warning that commercial vessels could face risks for not coordinating their routes with Iran.
A U.S. official indicated that initial assessments suggested Iran had fired upon three commercial vessels, further complicating the already tense situation.
Khamenei Last Rites Continue
Domestically, Iranian leadership has utilized the mourning period for Khamenei, who was killed alongside family members during the conflict’s onset, to reinforce its authority. The caskets of Khamenei and his family were paraded through Qom, with Iranian state media later broadcasting footage of Khamenei’s coffin arriving at Najaf airport in Iraq.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who attended the funeral ceremonies in Iraq, returned to Iran following the U.S. strikes. The ceasefire was intended to create a 60-day window for negotiations towards a permanent resolution, but recent indirect talks in Qatar concluded without progress.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to resume military actions, stating, “We’re either going to make a deal or we’re going to finish the job… We can knock down their bridges in one hour, we can knock out their energy supply.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that negotiations for a final agreement would not commence if threats persisted.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
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Published on 2026-07-08 12:45:00 • By the Editorial Desk
