The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the strong airstrikes were in response to Iran's attacks on ships passing through Hormuz, and affirmed that they would "cause heavy losses" to Iran's targeting and attacking commercial ships.
According to AFP, Iranian state media reported on many explosions around the strait, including 6 on Qeshm Island, 7 in the city of Sirik and many others in the major port city of Bandar Abbas.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the US of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides and threatened retaliation.
Iran is issuing a harsh warning about the consequences of the US violating the treaty and will take decisive measures to protect its national interests and security," the Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized.
The attack took place shortly after Washington revoked its exemption from temporary sanctions on Iran's oil, increasing pressure on Tehran as the country is negotiating with the US on a final solution to the conflict.
The US Treasury Department has canceled a license announced in June allowing Iran to produce, sell and transport crude oil and related products until August 21.
Iran's actions in the Strait are completely unacceptable to the US and will have consequences," a US official told AFP.
The official noted that the US-Iran cooperation memorandum is "completely based on the effectiveness of implementation", warning that Tehran will only benefit if it takes positive actions.
But US negotiators are still continuing to work "sincerely towards a final agreement," the official said.
The UK Maritime Safety Agency (UKMTO) reported that a strange object hit a tanker on the night of July 6, causing a fire, before 2 other ships were attacked, at least one of which was attacked by drones.
All 3 ships were attacked near Oman, a country that has proposed a temporary shipping corridor along its coast. This initiative was opposed by Iran.
Qatar said that one of the ships attacked was its liquefied petroleum tanker Al-Rekayyat. Qatar called this an "unacceptable" attack on international maritime operations.
After that, Doha summoned the Iranian deputy ambassador to complain, requesting explanations and calling on Tehran to "immediately stop all actions that weaken regional security".
Iran expressed "disappointment" with Qatar's accusations, calling these statements "unacceptable".
The attack on July 7 ended more than a week of relative peace in the region, raising concerns about freedom of navigation after Iran lifted the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices have risen by more than 2% as new attacks raise concerns about global energy supplies and raise doubts about the sustainability of the US-Iran agreement.
