U.S. forces initiated military strikes against Iran on Tuesday, marking a significant response to recent attacks on commercial shipping vessels within the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was a direct retaliation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ targeting of three commercial ships over the preceding two-day period.
CENTCOM officials reported that the strikes successfully engaged more than 80 targets. These included various air defense systems, command-and-control infrastructure, and dozens of small boats utilized by the Revolutionary Guards. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM described the Iranian aggression as “unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
The escalation follows a period where Washington and Tehran had attempted to pursue indirect negotiations regarding maritime security after months of military tension. Last week, Iran also conducted a drone strike against a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel. Regarding the recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency issued warnings for one attack on Monday and two on Tuesday. While the vessels were not named in the advisories, reports indicated one attack involved an uncrewed aerial vehicle, while the others were hit by unknown projectiles; no casualties were reported.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly condemned the targeting of the Saudi tanker Vijian and the Qatari tanker Rakiyat. In a parallel move to the military action, the United States revoked Iran’s general license for oil exports.
The Iranian government responded sharply to these developments. Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, stated that the revocation of oil licenses and the subsequent military strikes were “a blatant violation of Article 10” and a “serious violation of Articles 1 and 2 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.” Gharibabadi also warned that Iran would “take decisive actions to safeguard its national interest and security” because of Israel’s actions in Lebanon and the U.S.’ “threatening statements against Iran.”
Updated on: July 7, 2026 / 9:53 PM EDT / CBS News
James LaPorta, Kristin Brown and Richard Escobedo contributed to this report.
