U.S. retaliates for attack in Strait of Hormuz with strong strike, resumes Iran oil ban

2026-07-08

Resumed clash in the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. Central Command said on the 7th that it had launched a 'strong strike' in retaliation for Iran's attack on merchant ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. It said Iran's actions amounted to a ceasefire violation, further clouding the outlook for talks aimed at ending the fighting.

Central Command said the strike on Iran was in response to the country's attack on three merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Treasury Department also said on the 7th that it would reverse the easing of sanctions on Iran and reinstate the ban on imports of Iranian crude oil.

Dark clouds over progress in talks

The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending the fighting and began negotiations seeking a final agreement within 60 days. However, both sides carried out attacks again in late June, after which they agreed to refrain from further strikes. Even so, fresh clashes have erupted again over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

This time, the U.S. went as far as resuming the ban on imports of Iranian crude oil. Because the easing of sanctions had been a bargaining chip to persuade economically struggling Iran to sign the memorandum, retaliation from the Iranian side is seen as unavoidable. Under the memorandum, the Treasury eased sanctions on June 22 and had temporarily allowed imports for two months through Aug. 21.

Aug. 16 deadline for agreement

The U.S. and Iran have set Aug. 16 as the deadline for a final agreement to end the fighting. Although they have held two rounds of direct talks, gaps remain over how Iran would abandon its nuclear program and over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the 6th that Iran's Revolutionary Guard had fired missile attacks at two merchant vessels that were passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It is believed the aim was to stop ships trying to pass through the southern side of the strait along Oman's coast. Iran has warned vessels passing through the strait to obtain Iranian permission and use the northern route it controls. Merchant traffic had been recovering after the memorandum was signed, but there is now concern it could stall again.

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