US Reimposes Sanctions on Iranian Oil Following Strait of Hormuz Attacks

The US Treasury Department announced on Tuesday the cancellation of a sanctions waiver that had allowed Iran to produce and sell oil. This move is a direct response to recent attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp policy reversal from the ceasefire agreement reached just two weeks prior. A senior US official told Reuters that the license permitting Iranian oil sales has been revoked due to Iran's "completely unacceptable" actions in the strategic waterway, which will prompt a firm response.

Reports indicate that within less than an hour, at least four commercial ships were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters. The assaults reportedly followed Iranian Revolutionary Guard warnings to avoid the US-secured shipping lane near Oman's coast. Communications intercepted during the incidents included explicit threats such as, "Our missiles and drones are ready to fire on you."

Iranian state media IRIB confirmed one tanker was targeted after repeatedly ignoring Iranian warnings and continuing through the US-backed route. Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guards have maintained an aggressive presence in the area amid escalating tensions with Washington.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attacks on two tankers belonging to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, calling them "unacceptable" violations of international maritime security and global energy supply. Riyadh urged Iran to immediately cease all actions threatening regional security, maritime safety, and energy market stability.

These developments come about a month after the US and Iran began a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement to end their conflict.