The United States has dealt a heavy blow to Iran, both economically and militarily, in response to a series of attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7 (local time).

In retaliation, Iran declared it would take "decisive action" and launched major attacks on U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Analysts suggest that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran is now in jeopardy, raising concerns that the Middle East could once again be engulfed in widespread conflict.

The U.S. Central Command announced on social media that it had struck over 80 targets in Iran in response to the country's attacks on three merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz between July 6 and 7.

The command explained that the strikes targeted Iran's air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar stations, anti-ship missile capabilities, and approximately 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) deployed in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

It stated that the operation was intended to weaken Iran's ability to attack merchant ships in the strait.

The Central Command further criticized the actions, stating, "These unjustified attacks by Iranian forces are a clear and dangerous violation of the ceasefire and undermine the freedom of navigation."

Immediately following the announcement of the U.S. airstrikes, Iranian media reported a series of explosions in the southern Strait of Hormuz region.

Iran's state-run IRIB broadcaster reported six explosions on Qeshm Island, seven in Sirik, and multiple blasts in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

Reuters, citing Iranian media, reported that six projectiles fell in the area of the Taherui pier in Sirik.

Furthermore, two hours before the U.S. airstrikes began, the U.S. took a hardline stance by revoking sanctions waivers on Iranian crude oil.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced that it was canceling the 60-day temporary general license issued on June 21, which had allowed for the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil.

This move reverses, after only about 15 days, the sanctions relief that had been granted during the 60-day follow-up negotiation period following the signing of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire MOU, effectively stripping Iran of a key economic benefit it had enjoyed during the truce.

Iran immediately launched a retaliatory response.

In a statement broadcast on state television on July 8 (local time), the IRGC announced that it had struck U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.

The Revolutionary Guard stated, "As an initial response to this aggression, our naval and aerospace forces conducted joint missile and drone operations, striking 85 major U.S. military facilities across the two countries."

They also claimed to have shot down one U.S. MQ-9 drone.

Bahrain and Kuwait were hit by missile and drone attacks early this morning and responded by activating their air defense systems.

The Kuwaiti military stated, "Our air defense systems are responding to hostile missile and drone attacks," adding, "The explosions heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting enemy attacks."

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior issued an air raid alert around the same time, urging, "Citizens and residents are advised to remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe location."

Foreign media reported that multiple explosions were heard in Bahrain.

Earlier, Iran had warned that it would take "lethal action" once the U.S. airstrikes began.

Regarding the U.S. revocation of sanctions waivers on Iranian oil sales, Iran protested, calling it a violation of the ceasefire MOU and asserting that the U.S. must be held responsible for the consequences.

Negotiations for a final agreement between the U.S. and Iran were scheduled to be held after the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, with plans to address the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian nuclear issue.

However, these attacks have cast doubt on whether the negotiations can proceed as planned.

Observers suggest that if the situation escalates further due to Iran's counterattacks, it will inevitably have a negative impact on the follow-up negotiations, which were already facing a bleak outlook.

When the U.S. and Iran agreed to the ceasefire MOU last month, there were already concerns that a final agreement would be difficult to reach, as the contentious issue of denuclearization was deferred to the 60-day follow-up negotiation table.

Late last month, the U.S. also conducted airstrikes on Iranian military facilities in response to Iranian attacks on merchant ships, which was followed by Iran's retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases in the Middle East for two consecutive days.

(Photo: Yonhap News)