US Treasury pulls Iranian oil waiver after Strait of Hormuz tanker strikes

The U.S. Treasury Department has revoked its authorization for Iranian oil sales, according to CNBC, after a series of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision came as the Joint Maritime Operations Center raised its threat assessment to "severe" following strikes on a liquefied natural gas tanker, an oil supertanker, and a third unspecified vessel. The Times of India noted that the attacks targeted British tankers, adding a specific dimension to the maritime incidents.

"Iran's actions were unacceptable and would face consequences."

This blunt statement from a U.S. official underscores Washington's determination to respond to what it sees as provocations in the critical waterway. The Treasury's revocation effectively eliminates a sanctions waiver that had allowed some Iranian crude exports to continue, a privilege that was due to expire on August 21 under an earlier interim deal between Washington and Tehran.

The escalation reverses a brief period of de-escalation, as the Times of India reported that the United States and Iran had previously reached an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. That arrangement had led to the sanctions waiver being extended through late August, a move that CNBC said was now rescinded after the tanker attacks.

Details from CNBC indicate that the attacks struck three vessels, including the liquefied natural gas tanker and the oil supertanker, though the third ship's identity remains unclear. The heightened threat level reflects growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world's most important oil transit chokepoints, with no immediate response from Tehran to the Treasury's action.