Iran – Tehran Condemns US Sanctions Move After Strait of Hormuz Attacks
Iran – Iran has criticised the United States over renewed military action and the cancellation of a sanctions waiver that had temporarily allowed Iranian oil sales. Iranian officials said the decisions undermine an interim understanding between Washington and Tehran and could lead to further diplomatic and security consequences.
Iranian Official Warns of Response
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the latest US measures represented a serious breach of commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. In a post on X, he accused Washington of violating several provisions of the agreement and said Iran would act to protect its national interests and security.
Gharibabadi also linked the dispute to developments involving Israel and Lebanon, claiming that US actions and public threats against Iran had repeatedly weakened the agreement. He said Tehran had issued a formal warning over the consequences of what it described as Washington’s failure to honour its commitments.
Foreign Ministry Raises Sanctions Concerns
Iran’s Foreign Ministry separately condemned the US decision to withdraw the oil-export licence. Officials said the waiver had been granted under a temporary arrangement intended to reduce tensions and prevent further confrontation between the two countries.
The ministry said the United States would be responsible for the fallout from ending the waiver. The licence had reportedly been issued last month and was expected to remain valid for 60 days, allowing limited Iranian oil exports despite broader sanctions restrictions.
US Treasury Revokes Oil Waiver
The decision was confirmed by the United States Department of the Treasury, which revoked the sanctions waiver shortly after fresh security incidents were reported in the Strait of Hormuz. The move marked a rapid return to tighter restrictions on Iranian crude exports.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies. Any disruption in the corridor can affect energy markets, freight movement and regional security calculations.
Three Tankers Reportedly Hit Near Oman
The sanctions announcement came hours after the British military reported that three tankers had been struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks were reported near the coast of Oman and close to waters shared with the United Arab Emirates.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said one vessel caught fire after being hit off the Omani coast. Iranian state television reported that the targeted ship was a liquefied natural gas tanker and claimed it had ignored warnings, although it did not directly accept responsibility for the attack.
The other two tankers suffered limited damage and were able to continue their journeys. No injuries were reported among crew members, according to available maritime updates.
Shipping Route Remains Under Scrutiny
Iran has repeatedly said that vessels using its designated route through the Strait of Hormuz face fewer risks. Authorities in Tehran have previously been accused of involvement in incidents affecting ships travelling closer to the Omani coastline, although Iran has denied responsibility in several earlier cases.
Location information released by UKMTO indicated that all three attacks on Tuesday occurred near Oman or the neighbouring United Arab Emirates. The data suggested the ships had been using an alternative passage rather than the route Tehran considers secure.
Maritime Attacks Raise Global Concerns
The International Maritime Organization said the latest incidents represented the highest number of reported attacks on commercial vessels in a single day since late April. The renewed violence has raised concerns over the safety of crews and the movement of energy supplies through the region.
International efforts to restore normal shipping activity and reduce the economic impact of the conflict now face added pressure. With sanctions tightening and maritime security deteriorating, diplomatic channels between Iran and the United States are likely to remain under close watch.