U.S. launches strikes against Iran after ships hit in Strait of Hormuz

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-launches-strikes-against-iran-after-ships-hit-in-strait-of-hormuz Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter U.S. launches strikes against Iran after ships hit in Strait of Hormuz World Jul 7, 2026 5:51 PM EDT The U.S. military launched a series of strikes against Iranian targets early Wednesday after three merchant ships were struck in the waters off Oman. In a statement posted to social media, U.S. Central Command said American forces launched the strikes "to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway." READ MORE: U.S. revokes license authorizing sale of Iranian oil after 3 tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz "Iran's demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire," the statement said. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, announcing that the U.S. will lift sanctions, opening the possibility of selling F-35 jets to Turkey over Israel's objections. Trump also criticized NATO's abilities to function without American leadership and power, expressing disappointment at the refusal of some NATO allies to join the Iran war he launched alongside Israel without consulting them. And he insisted again that Greenland should be "controlled by the United States, not by Denmark." Of all of his threats to NATO and its member countries, this has posed the greatest danger to the organization. Alliance leaders are trying to show increased military capabilities as the American focus shifts from defending Europe. The two-day summit will showcase military projects worth billions of dollars aimed at persuading Trump they're making a stronger Europe for a stronger NATO. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now