Washington: The United States launched what it described as "powerful" military strikes against Iran on Tuesday, following attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the strategically vital waterway.

"The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz" and will "impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping," US Central Command said in a post on X.

Earlier on Tuesday, three oil tankers were struck by projectiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the British military. The attacks marked the highest number of incidents in a single day in the key shipping lane since late April, the UN's International Maritime Organisation said.

The renewed violence has raised fears of major disruptions to global energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as one of the world's most important oil transit routes. The latest attacks come as international efforts were underway to restore normal shipping operations following recent hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Hours after the tanker attacks, Washington revoked a 60-day Treasury Department license that had temporarily allowed the sale of Iranian oil under an interim agreement aimed at reducing tensions.

A US official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said the waiver was withdrawn because Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz were "unacceptable" and warranted consequences.