After the attack on three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, America has started large-scale air strikes on Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that this action has been taken to pay the price of targeting innocent people and merchant ships in international maritime routes. On the other hand, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister described the American attacks as a violation of the US-Iran agreement signed last month and said that Tehran will take decisive steps for its interests and security.
According to Iranian government media, the American attacks took place in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and Serik area. Many people have been injured in these attacks, although no death has been confirmed. Iran’s President Pejeshkian has left Iraq after the US air strikes, the US had already warned that attacks on oil tankers would have serious consequences. There has been a sharp rise in the prices of crude oil after the American attacks.
America withdrew relaxation in oil sanctions
In a statement issued Tuesday night, CENTCOM said Iran’s actions were unprovoked, dangerous and a clear violation of the ceasefire. Hours before the attacks, America also withdrew the temporary exemption given to oil sanctions on Iran. Under this exemption, Iran was allowed to sell oil and petroleum products, which was part of the US-Iran agreement signed last month. Iran’s Foreign Ministry termed this as a violation of the agreement and said that this has exposed the bad intentions of the US government.
Qatar-Saudi condemned the attacks
Meanwhile, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also condemned the attacks on their respective oil tankers. Qatar alleged that its ship named Al-Reqayyat was targeted and held Iran entirely responsible for it. Saudi Arabia also said that its Wadayan tanker was attacked while passing through Hormuz. However, Iran has rejected these allegations.
According to Britain’s maritime safety agency UKMTO, a fire broke out in the engine room of a tanker due to an unknown projectile. Two other ships were also damaged on Tuesday, although they were successful in reaching their next destination.
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