Three tankers struck in Strait of Hormuz as U.S. revokes Iranian oil license

Three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the British Maritime Trade Operations centre said, marking the highest number of attacks in a single day since late April. One vessel, a liquefied natural gas tanker near Oman, caught fire after a hit to its engine room, while two other ships sustained damage but continued their voyages without injuries.

The United States revoked a 60-day Treasury license that had waived sanctions on Iranian oil, citing Iran's actions in the waterway as unacceptable. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the revocation was intended to impose consequences for the attacks.

Iranian state television reported that the LNG tanker was attacked after ignoring warnings, though Tehran did not formally claim responsibility. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson described the targeting of the Qatari-registered tanker Al Rekayyat as a violation of international law and held Iran legally responsible.

The incidents occurred off the coasts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, where ships have been using a route near Oman that was expanded for traffic. Iran has warned that all tankers must follow its approved routes, while the Joint Maritime Information Center, overseen by the U.S. Navy, maintains that alternative routes remain available.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at fully reopening the strait and addressing broader security concerns remain stalled, with talks on hold pending political developments in Iran.