The US military has begun a new round of strikes against Iran, following an attack on a civilian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, a Cyprus-flagged container ship, suffered significant engine room damage and a civilian crew member is missing.
Background
The attack on the vessel occurred after Iran’s military fired a warning shot at the ship, which was using an unauthorized route in the strait. The US has accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement and has vowed to continue retaliating against Iranian aggression.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway, with about a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passing through it. Iran has insisted that the strait remain under its control and has threatened to charge ships moving through it.
The US has urged mariners to transit on a southern route through Oman’s territorial waters, rather than using the strait. The US has also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire agreement by ending waivers allowing Iran to sell crude oil on the open market in US dollars.
US Response
The US military has said that it is imposing a heavy cost on Iran by continuing to degrade its ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media, saying ‘Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.’
The US has also accused Iran of trying to sabotage the ceasefire agreement, with senior US officials saying that a rogue faction of Iranian hard-liners is responsible for the recent attacks.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
