US Launches Retaliatory Strikes After Tanker Attacks

The United States carried out a fresh round of strikes on southern Iran after three commercial vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The targets reportedly included air defense systems, radar sites, and anti-ship missile positions.

CENTCOM said the strikes were a response to what it called an unwarranted and dangerous violation of the ceasefire understanding between Washington and Tehran, following attacks on commercial shipping in the waterway.

What Happened Near the Strait of Hormuz

According to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, a Qatari-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker was struck while passing near the strait. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry separately confirmed that its crude oil tanker was also targeted. A third vessel was hit in a strike that had not previously been reported, a US official said.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency, which monitors shipping in the region, raised its threat level in the Strait of Hormuz to "severe" following the attacks. No casualties have been reported so far, though officials said one of the tankers suffered structural damage.

Trump Declares Ceasefire Understanding 'Over'

Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Turkey, where he is attending the NATO leaders' summit, President Donald Trump said he now considers the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran last month to be over. He described further dealings with Tehran as a waste of time and said the US could escalate strikes further if necessary, including against Iranian infrastructure.

In retaliation, Iran said it had targeted dozens of military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, while also launching projectiles toward US positions in the Gulf, according to regional reporting.

Israel's Response and Regional Reaction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting a naval base in Haifa, said Israel's objective was to protect freedom of navigation and maritime trade in the region. Saudi Arabia and Qatar both condemned the strikes on their vessels as violations of international maritime law and summoned Iranian diplomats to lodge formal protests.

Impact on Oil Prices and Global Markets

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade, and any disruption to the waterway has historically triggered sharp movements in crude prices. Markets reacted to the latest escalation with oil prices rising and stock indices falling in several regions, as investors weighed the risk of a wider conflict. The US also moved to revoke sanctions waivers previously extended to Iran's oil sector following the attacks.

India, a major importer of crude oil from the Gulf region, is likely to monitor the situation closely given its exposure to potential price shocks.

Background: A Conflict Rooted in February's Escalation

The current tensions trace back to a broader conflict between the US, Israel and Iran that began in late February, when Israeli and American strikes killed several senior Iranian officials. A ceasefire memorandum was signed last month, but disputes over its terms — particularly regarding safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and continued Israeli operations in Lebanon — have repeatedly strained the truce. Officials from both sides have indicated the situation remains fluid, with further diplomatic and military developments expected in the coming days.