Day 131 | Two tankers struck by projectiles in Strait of Hormuz as Gulf states blame Iran
Key Developments:
- UK Maritime Trade Operations says two tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Qatar and Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of targeting their LNG and oil tankers; Tehran rejects the allegations.
- Saudi Arabia says the attacks violate international law and threaten global energy supplies.
- Jordan condemns the attacks and reiterates support for Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
- Iran says nuclear negotiations will not begin while US threats persist after President Donald Trump warned Tehran to reach a deal or face consequences.
- Funeral prayers are under way in Qom for Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family.
Iran adviser says US seeking to derail talks and create Hormuz route
Mohsen Rezaei, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said Washington is clearly trying to push negotiations toward failure and accused the US of seeking an alternative shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran says US strikes hit mostly non-military areas in south
Iranian state TV says most US strikes targeted non-military areas, with shrapnel injuries reported at the commercial port of Sirik.
Trump ordered Iran strike while in Turkey, US official tells Axios
A US official told Axios that President Trump approved and ordered the strikes on Iran while attending the NATO summit in Turkey, calling them a response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Moment US aircraft strike Iran’s Bandar Abbas as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz
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Iran warns of 'decisive' action after US strikes around Strait of Hormuz
A series of explosions were reported in the Strait of Hormuz region on Tuesday, shortly after US officials announced "powerful" strikes against Iran.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that six explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, seven explosions in the city of Sirik, and additional blasts in Bandar Abbas, the country’s main southern port city.
The reports came after the United States said it had launched strikes on Iran in response to attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
Iran vows response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tehran would respond "decisively" to the US strikes, accusing Washington of repeatedly violating a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the ministry warned of the consequences of what it called a breach of the agreement and said Iran would take measures to protect its national security and interests.
Tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz
The US also moved to cancel a temporary sanctions waiver on Iranian oil following the attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Oman has proposed establishing a temporary transit corridor along its coastline to help secure shipping through the waterway. Iran has opposed the proposal and has sought to impose service fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments have raised further concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important energy routes.
US strikes target Iranian air defences, missile and drone sites: Axios
A senior US official told Axios the strikes targeted Iranian air defence systems, coastal surveillance, anti-ship missile launch sites, drone launch sites and port facilities.
US says it launches strikes on Iran after attacks on commercial ships
US Central Command says it has begun a series of strikes against Iran, saying the action was in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which it described as a violation of the ceasefire.
Iran calls Qatar accusations over LNG tanker attack 'unacceptable'
Iran on Tuesday condemned Qatar for accusations that it was behind an attack on one of the Gulf emirate's vessels, after Doha said Tehran had targeted a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker off the coast of Oman.
"Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Qatar's accusations against Iran over the alleged attack on a vessel linked to the country in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday were questionable and contrary to the principle of good neighbourliness, describing them as unacceptable," state news agency IRNA reported.
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Read more: Day 130 | Funeral procession for Iran's supreme leader continues
