U.S. military strikes Iranian defense sites after reported tanker attacks

U.S. Central Command carried out strikes on Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance sites, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drone launch sites. The command said the action responded to reported Iranian strikes on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported five explosions in southern Iran near the waterway. UK Maritime Trade Operations recorded strikes on oil tankers during a 24-hour period spanning Monday and Tuesday.

Background to the strikes An anonymous U.S. official told Reuters the targets included air defense and missile systems. " Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Qatar held Iran "fully responsible" for an attack on the vessel Al-Rekayyat.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry separately said Iran targeted a Saudi tanker named Wadyan. " The spokesman added that Iran had met its commitments but warned uncoordinated routes risked collision.

Additional U.S. measures The U.S.

Treasury revoked a license that had allowed Iran to sell oil under a memorandum of understanding signed last month. The department said it would permit a wind-down period for authorized transactions. A U.S. official speaking before the strikes said negotiators would continue working in "good faith" toward an agreement.

The strikes mark the first U.S. military action against Iran since late last month.