The United States has revoked the general license that allowed the sale of Iranian oil, a U.S. official said tonight, warning that Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz are “completely unacceptable” and will have consequences, following attacks on oil tankers in the strategically important waterway.

Three tankers reported earlier that they had been struck by unknown projectiles in and near the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, according to the British maritime security agency UKMTO. There has been no comment from Tehran so far, nor has anyone claimed responsibility.

The U.S. official said that despite the recent escalation, negotiators continue to work in good faith toward reaching a final agreement with Iran.

SEE ALSO: Alarm in the Strait of Hormuz: Third attack on a tanker in 24 hours

The attacks and the U.S. response threaten to undermine the fragile “memorandum of understanding” between Washington and Tehran, increasing the risk of further retaliation that could derail the negotiations.

Qatar’s Official Protest

Qatar announced earlier that it had summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Doha and lodged a formal protest following the attack on a liquefied natural gas tanker as it wasoff the coast of Oman.

The emirate accuses Tehran of carrying out the attack.

In its statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had delivered a diplomatic note to Iran’s deputy ambassador and called on Tehran “to immediately cease any action that undermines regional security, to refrain from endangering the safety of international shipping and the global energy supply” while also demanding “explanations for this attack.”

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attack on a Saudi Arabian tanker and called on Iran to immediately cease “practices that threaten international shipping” and the energy supply.

Source: Protothema.gr