US military launches strikes on Iran over Strait of Hormuz merchant ship attack

US Central Command said Tuesday it launched a series of powerful airstrikes against Iran in response to an Iranian attack on a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said in a post on X that the strikes were launched "to impose a severe cost for targeting a merchant vessel carrying innocent civilians in international waters," adding that "Iran's attack is not only dangerous but a clear violation of the truce."

Earlier that day, the US Treasury Department revoked sanctions exemptions on Iranian crude oil sales for the same reason. The moves represent a sharp escalation in Washington's warnings over Iran's continued attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, applying economic and military pressure simultaneously.