---
title: "Retaliatory Strikes: US Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iran Following Attack on Commercial Vessels"
description: "The US launched massive airstrikes on Iran in retaliation for a drone and missile attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. ⚔️ Washington also revoked the license for the sale of Iranian oil, causing a spike in market prices. 📉 Meanwhile, both sides confirmed that the ceasefire regime remains in effect, and negotiations for a final deal continue. 🤝"
date: 2026-07-08T00:28:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/retaliatory-strikes-us-launches-massive-airstrikes-on-iran-following-attack-on-commercial-vessels
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Retaliatory Strikes: US Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iran Following Attack on Commercial Vessels

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The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has sharply escalated. On Tuesday, July 7, the US responded with a powerful series of airstrikes against Iranian targets along the coast. This was Washington's reaction to an attack by Iranian forces on commercial vessels attempting to pass through a route approved by the US and Oman.

### Escalation of the Conflict in the Strait

The immediate trigger for the retaliatory action was an attack that occurred early Tuesday morning. Iran launched drones and anti-ship cruise missiles against vessels traveling along the southern route. According to US officials, three ships were hit as a result of the attack.

A US representative described Iran's actions as unacceptable and deserving of a firm response. In the night of July 8, US Central Command confirmed the start of a series of powerful strikes. Among the targeted sites, according to media reports, were Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, surface-to-air missile systems, launchers, and port infrastructure.

### Scale of the Operation and Sanctions Measures

Sources at Axios close to the administration report that the new strikes were 4–5 times larger and more powerful than the attacks carried out about 10 days ago. According to sources, the operation plan was personally approved by US President Donald Trump while attending the NATO summit in Turkey.

Parallel to the military actions, Washington employed economic leverage. The US revoked the license permitting the sale of Iranian oil. This decision was a direct response to the attack in the strait and immediately impacted global markets: oil prices surged again.

### Negotiations Continue

Despite the escalation, the diplomatic channel remains open. A US representative stated that the ceasefire regime reached earlier is still in effect. Washington intends to continue negotiations with Tehran to reach a final agreement.

Recall that in mid-June, the parties signed a framework agreement extending the truce. The document paved the way for discussing key issues with the aim of concluding a final deal to end the war within 60 days. However, warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) about their readiness to attack vessels using the US route showed that tensions in the region persist.