US launches strikes on Iran after tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz

In early July 2026, the United States launched military strikes on Iran after three oil tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz over a 24-hour period. The attacks on the tankers raised the shipping risk level in the strategic waterway to severe, and Qatar publicly blamed Iran for one of the strikes on a liquefied natural gas tanker. The US said the strikes were in response to what it called an Iranian violation of a truce, and also announced renewed sanctions on Iran. Explosions were reported in southern Iran.