The US Central Command posted on social media on the 7th, stating that the US military launched a “series of forceful” strikes against Iran in response to Iran’s previous attacks on three merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement said that Iran’s attacks were aimed at merchant ships operated by innocent civilians navigating on international waterways. Such actions by Iran are unjustified, extremely dangerous, and are in clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.
According to Iranian media reports, explosions were heard a second time on Iran’s Qeshm Island, and explosions were also reported on Khark Island.
Earlier on the 7th, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Office issued a bulletin stating that another oil tanker was attacked by a drone while passing through the Strait of Hormuz that same day. This was the third incident of a ship being attacked in this sea area reported by the agency within 24 hours.
Qatar Issues Diplomatic Note to Iran
On the 7th, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Iranian deputy ambassador to Qatar, delivering a protest note after a Qatari transport ship was recently attacked while sailing near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that same day, saying the note pointed out that the attack on the Qatari transport ship Al-Rukayat severely endangered international maritime navigation safety, directly threatened global energy supply security, and blatantly violated international law. Qatar demanded that Iran provide an explanation for the attack as soon as possible.