July 7, 2026: US Launches Strikes on More Than 80 Iranian Targets, Restores Oil Sanctions
The United States has carried out a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, hitting more than 80 sites linked to the country’s military infrastructure while also reinstating sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
The operation came after attacks on three commercial vessels operating in or near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane that carries a large share of the world’s oil trade. U.S. officials blamed Iran for the incidents and said the strikes were meant to protect international shipping and deter further attacks. Iran has not accepted responsibility for the tanker attacks.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted a broad range of military assets, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance equipment, anti-ship missile sites, drone launch facilities and dozens of boats operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Pentagon said the mission was designed to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf.
Washington Reinstates Oil Sanctions
At the same time, Washington revoked a temporary license that had allowed limited Iranian oil sales, effectively restoring tougher sanctions that had only recently been eased as part of diplomatic efforts between the two countries. The U.S. administration said the move was a direct response to the attacks on commercial shipping.
Iran strongly condemned the military action, accusing the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement and warning that it reserves the right to respond. Iranian officials also said the renewed sanctions could undermine ongoing diplomatic talks on regional security and the country’s nuclear programme.
Global Markets React to Rising Tensions
The latest escalation has triggered fresh concern over global energy supplies. Oil prices rose after news of the strikes and sanctions, with investors worried that further instability around the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt exports from one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Analysts note that the waterway carries about one-fifth of global oil shipments, making any military confrontation in the region a serious risk to international markets.
The renewed hostilities have also cast doubt on recent diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran. Efforts to preserve the ceasefire and restart broader negotiations now face growing uncertainty as both sides continue to trade blame over the latest violence.
