Get you up to speed: US says strikes launched as explosions heard in southern Iran
The US military launched airstrikes against Iran after explosions were reported in the southern regions, including the port city of Sirik and Qeshm Island. The strikes were a response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that airstrikes began on Tuesday, targeting multiple locations in southern Iran. As of now, there has been no indication of when operations may conclude or any detailed assessment of damage sustained from the strikes.
The US Central Command confirmed that airstrikes against Iran commenced following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while a US official characterised these Iranian actions as “wholly unacceptable.” In reaction, Iran’s foreign ministry asserted it would take necessary measures to protect its national security following the revocation of the temporary waiver on oil sanctions.
What remains unclear — It is not yet known what specific measures Iran may take to safeguard its interests and national security in response to the US airstrikes.
US launches airstrikes in response to explosions in southern Iran
DEVELOPING STORYDEVELOPING STORY, News|US-Israel war on IranUS says strikes launched as explosions heard in southern IranPublished On 7 Jul 20267 Jul 2026
The US military says it has launched airstrikes against Iran as explosions were reported in several locations in the south of the country.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes began on Tuesday, and are being conducted “in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz”.
Iranian media have reported several explosions in the southern port city of Sirik, as well as Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas.
Following the blasts, Iran’s foreign ministry said it held the US government responsible for the consequences of breaching the memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed between the two countries in June, which was supposed to put to an end to the war the US and Israel began against Iran in late February. The MoU mandated lifting the US naval blockade on Iran in exchange for Tehran reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The US also agreed at the end of June to waive sanctions on Iranian oil for 60 days.
However, the US Treasury Department on Tuesday moved to revoke the temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales after a tankers in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked. A Qatari tanker caught fire off the coast of Oman Monday after being struck by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Iranian television reported claims that the LNG tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings, but Tehran did not directly claim the assault. Neither the US Central Command (CENTCOM) nor the IRGC commented on the incident.
A second ship, a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, was also damaged in the Strait of Hormuz when the IRGC fired missiles, sources told Reuters news agency.
A US official warned that Iran’s attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were “wholly unacceptable” and would be met with consequences, Reuters reported Tuesday.
In response, Iran’s foreign ministry said it would take any measure it deemed necessary to safeguard the country’s interests and national security.