The United States has announced new strikes on Iran and the return of sanctions on Iranian oil sales, in a new escalation that, according to the official US version, comes after attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. The development once again puts the fragile ceasefire between the two countries in question and is already unsettling energy markets.
Washington announces new strikes on Iran
According to a statement published by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on platform X, American forces have launched “a series of powerful strikes” against Iran.
In the official statement, the US claims that these attacks are intended to impose “severe costs” on Tehran after the targeting of commercial ships with civilian crews in one of the most sensitive international shipping corridors.
The US claim: response over three commercial ships
According to CENTCOM, the US strikes are a response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Also according to the US statement, Iran’s actions constitute “unjustified” aggression and a clear violation of the ceasefire. At this point, this remains the version made public by the American side regarding the reasoning for the intervention.
Sanctions return and ceasefire comes under pressure
The announcement of the strikes came immediately after the US reimposed economic sanctions on Iran, including those on Iranian oil sales.
These measures are seen as a direct blow to the fragile ceasefire between the two countries, as they remove one of the main concessions Washington had made to Tehran in exchange for the reopening of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, the US Treasury Department had agreed to suspend the sanctions for 60 days as part of the ceasefire agreement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had presented that decision as a sign of confidence in the “constructive talks” between the sides.
Markets react immediately
The escalation had an immediate effect on international oil markets.
The price of Brent crude rose by 3% to reach $76 a barrel, while US oil climbed by nearly 6%, moving back above $70 a barrel for the first time since June 30.
For now, the signals coming from Washington point to a tougher line both militarily and economically.
It remains to be seen whether this step will deepen the US-Iran confrontation or produce another round of pressure on a ceasefire that appeared uncertain even before the return of sanctions.