US Strikes Iran: 80+ Targets Hit, Oil Export Licence Revoked

Washington (IANS): The United States launched airstrikes against more than 80 Iranian military targets and simultaneously revoked a crucial Treasury licence allowing Tehran to sell oil. The twin actions sharply escalate pressure on Iran after its forces allegedly attacked three commercial vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The coordinated strike marks Washington’s strongest military response since the two nations reached a ceasefire last month.

CENTCOM Obliterates IRGC Assets and Missile Sites

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces systematically targeted Iranian air defence systems, command networks, coastal radar sites, and anti-ship missile capabilities. The operation also targeted more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast-attack small boats operating in and around the strategic waterway.

“The operation was an immediate response to Iran’s latest attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM stated.

The military command added that the strikes intend to severely degrade Iran’s ability to threaten international commerce flowing through one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.

The Pentagon revealed that Iranian forces recently attacked three commercial vessels transiting the strait:

• M/T Al Rekayyat (Marshall Islands-flagged)
• M/T Wedyan (Saudi Arabia-flagged)
• M/T Cyprus Prosperity (Liberian-flagged)

“The unwarranted aggression by Iranian forces is a clear and dangerous violation of the ceasefire and undermines freedom of navigation,” CENTCOM warned, adding that US forces remain postured to take additional action if Tehran continues to violate the agreement.

Washington Chokes Iran’s Oil Lifeline

Hours before the fighter jets struck, the US Treasury Department dealt an economic blow to Tehran by revoking General License X—a key authorization issued on June 21 as part of the ceasefire package.

The Treasury replaced it with the highly restrictive General License X1, effectively ending the authorization that temporarily permitted the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products.

The new policy sets a strict timeline to squeeze Iranian revenues:

• Immediate Ban: The licence expressly bars any new purchases or loading of Iranian crude and petroleum products.
• Wind-Down Period: It permits only a limited grace period through July 17 to wrap up previously authorized transactions.

This dual-pronged strategy underscores the Trump administration’s immediate shift back to a policy of maximum military and economic pressure following what Washington deems a direct breach of the maritime truce by Iran.