US launches strikes on Iran over ship attacks in Strait of Hormuz

The United States launched a series of military strikes against Iran on Tuesday after accusing Tehran of attacking three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in southern parts of the country. In a post on X, US Central Command said its forces had "begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran" to impose heavy costs for what it described as Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. The statement read: "The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz" and will "impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping."  "Iran's demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire," the statement added.Iran's state-run TV reported on Tuesday that the sound of 10 explosions was heard in areas west and east of Bandar Abbas, with several more explosions heard from the sea. The report said no explosions were heard inside Bandar Abbas city, but blasts were still being heard in Sirik. It also said explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, adding that it was unclear what targets had been hit. Three tankers were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, prompting a “severe” maritime threat level, as US officials blamed IRGC missile fire and reported downing Iranian drones. Tehran said a tanker was targeted after using an Omani route with US Navy support and warned talks would not begin under threats.

A video sent to Iran International on Tuesday showed a massive explosion after a US strike on Iranian positions in Bandar Abbas, while another showed a thick column of smoke rising from the site. pic.twitter.com/Y2xwhoHtsf

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) July 7, 2026

Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates condemned what they called Iran’s attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, calling them a threat to international navigation, energy supplies and regional stability.
Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei on Tuesday praised the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for what he described as enforcing and consolidating Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz. "Hail to the brave IRGC naval forces in the Persian Gulf, who these days are also carrying the burden of diplomacy and, on the ground, are asserting and consolidating Iran’s powerful sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz," Rezaei posted on X.