WASHINGTON: The US Treasury Department on Tuesday revoked a license that temporarily lifted oil sanctions on Iran, calling Tehran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz “totally unacceptable”.
“Iran’s actions in the strait were completely unacceptable to the United States and will face consequences,” a US official told AFP after the attacks on tankers in the main waterway.
The waiver announced in June had initially allowed the Islamic republic to produce, sell and distribute crude oil and related products until August 21.
Washington’s move comes after three tankers, including a Qatari LNG carrier, were hit within hours in the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime monitors and Qatar.
The Doha peace broker denounced an “unacceptable” Iranian attack.
The developments have revived concerns about freedom of navigation after Iran lifted its blockade of the waterway following a fragile truce with the United States.
The US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Tuesday that his memorandum of understanding with Iran “is entirely performance-based”, warning that Tehran will only see benefits if it shows “good behaviour”.
But the official said: “Our negotiators continue to work in good faith towards a final agreement.”
The future of Hormuz, the main route for Gulf energy exports, has been a sticking point during negotiations between Tehran and Washington to finally end the conflict that began in late February.
