Iran Buries Khamenei as U.S. Strikes Hit 80 Targets Over Strait of Hormuz Chaos
Iran buried former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after six days of funerals, while U.S. forces struck 80 Iranian targets in retaliation for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing a fragile cease-fire to the brink.
The United States launched “powerful” strikes against 80 targets in Iran with precision munitions after Iranian forces fired on several commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz without prior coordination with Tehran [191655][192400]. The U.S. Central Command called the Iranian aggression “unjustified, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire” [191655]. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it attacked 85 military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, including the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet base at Port Salman and the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait, and claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 drone [191655].
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes, remains a central flashpoint [192609][192400]. At least eight oil tankers trying to leave the Persian Gulf via the Omani coast turned back between Friday and Saturday, with some switching to a route closer to Iran [189249]. Despite the unrest, some tankers continue to pass through the strait [192595].
The renewed violence undermines a recent memorandum of understanding meant to de-escalate tensions and dashes hopes for a quick resolution [192566]. The cease-fire is now hanging by a thread, with both sides trading strikes despite the pact [192581][192566]. Analysts warn that without immediate de-escalation, negotiations could collapse [192494]. The White House has not explained why repeating the same “maximum pressure” tactics will produce a different outcome [192495].
The burial of the late supreme leader marks a turning point for Iran’s leadership [192255]. With Khamenei now buried, Iran’s hardliners and moderates are jockeying for influence as the country faces economic collapse, internal protests, and international isolation [192255]. The renewed strikes have strengthened the position of Iran’s ultraconservative faction, which views any negotiation with Washington as a crime [192581].
The U.S. has also revoked a license allowing Iran to sell oil, with a transition period for oil transactions lasting until July 17 [191655]. Oil prices rose more than 5% after the announcement [191655]. The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world’s daily oil consumption, and any prolonged disruption could raise energy prices [191655][190067].