US and Iran exchange strikes following tanker attacks in Strait of Hormuz
via The Namibian3 min read
The US launched strikes against Iran, hitting over 80 targets including more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC small boats, in response to attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported strikes on Qeshm island, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik, causing injuries. The IRGC retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, targeting 85 facilities including a US Navy headquarters and an air base. Iran's deputy foreign minister called the US attacks a violation of a recent US-Iran memorandum and warned of decisive measures. The US Treasury also revoked an oil sanctions waiver on Iran, which Iran's foreign ministry described as a breach of the memorandum. Qatar and Saudi Arabia denounced the tanker attacks, with Qatar holding Iran responsible for a targeted attack on the vessel Al-Rekayyat, and Saudi Arabia stating the tanker Wadyan was hit. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, called Qatar's accusations "contrary to the principle of good neighbourliness" and warned that commercial vessels not coordinating with Iran or tampering with tracking systems face collision risks. The UKMTO reported a tanker fire after a projectile hit an engine room, and two other tankers sustained damage after being struck in separate incidents.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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