The United States has launched a series of military strikes on Iran, calling the action a direct response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command announced the assault on Tuesday, stating it was to "impose heavy costs" for targeting vessels crewed by civilians in the critical international waterway.
Three tankers were damaged in separate incidents over a 24-hour period starting Monday. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have both confirmed that tankers belonging to their nations were struck while transiting the area.
Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attacks on the vessels. Its foreign ministry has suggested that commercial ships not coordinating with Iran or tampering with tracking systems face risks.
In a significant diplomatic move, the US Treasury also revoked a sanctions waiver that had temporarily allowed Iran to sell oil and petrol products. This waiver was part of a recent memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at extending a ceasefire.
The revocation includes a wind-down period for authorized transactions until July 17. The broader memorandum, signed last month, outlined a 14-point agreement to end conflict and included a $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction, though the US was not required to contribute.
US officials, speaking anonymously, stated that negotiators would continue to work towards a final deal with Iran despite the strikes and sanctions action.