The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz worsened significantly on Wednesday after the United States carried out strikes on Iranian military targets. These actions were a response to attacks on commercial shipping. The International Maritime Organization has advised the industry to avoid this waterway if the safety of crews cannot be guaranteed.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that their forces attacked over 80 targets in Iran on Tuesday, which included air defense systems, command-and-control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
These strikes followed Iran's attacks on three merchant vessels passing through the strait: the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Al Rekayyat, the Saudi Arabia-flagged tanker Wedyan, and the Liberia-flagged Cyprus Prosperity. CENTCOM labeled these attacks as "a clear and dangerous violation of the ceasefire" that threatens freedom of navigation.
CENTCOM stated, "U.S. forces are ready and prepared to hold Iran accountable when agreements are not followed or respected."
On Tuesday, the Trump administration also ended its temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil exports. This replaced the relief that had been granted just a little over two weeks prior under General License X, implementing a 10-day wind-down period for existing transactions. The new license is effective immediately and only allows activities needed to close out previously allowed business until July 17. After July 7, no new purchases or loadings of Iranian crude, petroleum products, or petrochemicals are permitted.
These renewed U.S. strikes and the rollback of sanctions represent a significant escalation just weeks after Washington and Tehran reached a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending months of conflict and reopening this crucial maritime route.
President Donald Trump indicated that this agreement might now be finished.
Before a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump told reporters that the interim agreement is effectively "over" following the latest Iranian attacks.
"To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them," Trump remarked. "As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them."
IMO Issues Strongest Warning Since Ceasefire
The renewed violence drew one of the strongest warnings from IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. He condemned the attacks and urged shipowners, operators, and flag states to protect crews from unnecessary risks.
Dominguez stated, "I condemn the attacks over the past two days against several ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. These reckless attacks have once again endangered innocent seafarers. No seafarer should have to risk their life just for doing their job."
He continued, "As long as we cannot ensure the safety and security of crews, I urge flag States, shipowners, operators, and all relevant authorities to avoid putting seafarers in unnecessary danger by transiting the Strait."
Dominguez noted that the recent attacks heightened the fear and uncertainty for nearly 6,000 seafarers stranded on vessels unable to safely leave the Persian Gulf.
"I call on all concerned states to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation without delay, and facilitate the safe departure of the ships still trapped in the Gulf since the crisis began," he added. "The safety of seafarers must remain our top priority."
Iran Blames Washington
Iran has rejected the U.S. accusations of violating the agreement.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who leads Iran's negotiations with Washington, accused the United States of breaking the memorandum through new military strikes, reimposed oil sanctions, interference with Iran's management of the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on southern Iran, and continued support for Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
Ghalibaf stated, "The era of bullying and extortion is over. It leads nowhere. We don’t give in."
This latest exchange leaves the future of the U.S.-Iran agreement uncertain and raises further concerns about the security of one of the world's most strategically important waterways.