U.S. Revokes Iran's Oil Export License After Strait of Hormuz Attacks

Reuters reported yesterday evening (Tuesday) that the United States has decided to revoke the license that allowed Iran to sell oil. The move comes in response to the attacks on several foreign oil tankers over the past 24 hours in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran acknowledged carrying out the attacks, claiming the vessels had violated transit regulations in the strategic waterway.

Last night, the Saudi government reported that one of its oil tankers had come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, Qatar said that two tankers had been attacked since the morning, one of them sustaining extensive damage. Another attack was also reported later in the day, although the identity of the vessel has not been disclosed. U.S. officials additionally reported that another tanker was attacked overnight between Monday and Tuesday.

As previously reported, under the ceasefire agreement, the United States lifted restrictions on Iranian oil exports and allowed Iran to continue selling oil while negotiations remained underway.

An American official told Reuters this evening, "Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz are completely unacceptable." The official added, however, that "the U.S. will continue negotiations with Iran in good faith in an attempt to reach an agreement."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to the report, saying, "We emphasize the importance of maintaining continued stability and will not accept any violation of promises or any deviation from the memorandum of understanding. We fulfilled our commitments under the memorandum of understanding in good faith and out of a sense of responsibility. Experience has shown that Washington does not honor its commitments."