Dubai: The United States military launched fresh strikes against Iran early on Wednesday, hours after three merchant vessels were hit in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest escalation to threaten an interim agreement aimed at halting hostilities between the two nations.

The operations were expected to strike an array of military installations and port facilities, according to US officials.

The renewed bombardment is bound to complicate negotiations intended to fully reopen the strategic waterway, scale back Tehran’s contested nuclear programme, and secure a permanent end to the conflict initiated on 28 February.

In a statement published on social media, US Central Command confirmed American forces initiated the actions "to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway."

One US official stated that the military is targeting Iranian air defence systems, coastal monitoring installations, surface-to-air missiles, and launch pads for anti-ship cruise missiles and drones. Iranian port infrastructure is also being struck, the official noted.

A second official indicated that the bombardment would likely persist for several hours. Both sources spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a live military operation.

Iranian state media reported explosions audible in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas.

A similar sequence of Iranian maritime attacks and subsequent US retaliation occurred late last month. The latest responses took place while President Donald Trump was in Turkey attending a NATO military alliance summit.

Hours after the three tankers were struck by projectiles, the United States cancelled a licence that had permitted the sale of Iranian crude oil under the temporary truce agreement.

The latest assaults in the vital energy shipping lane represent the highest number in a single day since late April, according to the UN International Maritime Organisation. The incidents threaten to block transit through the strait just as nations sought to normalise shipping routines and alleviate the global economic strain caused by the conflict.

A US official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, explained that the oil licence was rescinded because Iran's actions in the strait were intolerable and required a firm response.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry censured the US decision to withdraw the permit, asserting in a statement that it breaches the interim accord and that "the US government bears responsibility for the consequences of this breach of commitment."

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, additionally posted on X that the new American strikes violated the active agreement.

Tanker Catches Fire Following Strike

One tanker was navigating off the coast of Oman when it was hit and caught fire, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre. Iranian state television reported that the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier was targeted after disregarding warnings, though Tehran did not explicitly claim responsibility for the attack.

The other two vessels sustained minor damage, reported no casualties, and were able to continue their journeys, the British maritime agency confirmed.

Tehran, which has repeatedly insisted that only its sanctioned route through the strait guarantees safety, is suspected of targeting vessels opting for an alternative lane closer to the Omani coast. Location data provided by the UKMTO indicated that all three incidents transpired off the coasts of Oman or the United Arab Emirates, suggesting the ships were utilising the Omani route.

In peacetime, a fifth of global oil and natural gas trade transits through the strategic channel.

The cancelled US licence had authorised the production, transit, and sale of Iranian crude until 21 August. US Vice President JD Vance remarked at the time that prolonged discussions with senior Iranian figures in Switzerland had established a "good foundation for a successful final deal" to resolve the war.

US sanctions regarding the acquisition of Iranian oil have been active since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Following the outbreak of the war involving the US and Israel, and the subsequent closure of the waterway, Washington has twice approved temporary Iranian oil sales as leverage to advance negotiations.

Meanwhile, bilateral talks appear to be suspended until after the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the onset of the war.

Qatar Condemns Assault

One of the targeted tankers was transporting LNG southwards through the strait near Limah, Oman, when a projectile struck its port-side engine room, igniting a fire, the UKMTO stated.

Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, confirmed that the Qatari vessel, Al Rekayyat, was targeted in an "unacceptable attack" on international shipping lines and global energy security. He described the incident as a "serious and explicit violation" of international law.

In a post on X, he stated that Qatar holds Iran "fully legally responsible."

Later on Tuesday, the UKMTO reported that a second oil tanker was struck on its port side whilst exiting the strait near the border between Oman and the UAE. A third vessel was hit by a drone off the Omani coast, the agency noted.

The Joint Maritime Information Centre, an international body managed by the US Navy, advised shipping companies on Monday that the route around Oman "has been expanded and remains available for all traffic."

Vessels navigating northwards via the Iranian lane are required to register with Tehran, whilst those heading south coordinate with Oman and the United States.

With inputs from AP