US revokes licence authorising sale of Iranian oil

The United States revoked a general licence authorizing Iranian oil sales Tuesday after three commercial tankers were struck by unknown projectiles in and near the Strait of Hormuz, the world's busiest energy chokepoint. A U.S. official attributed the attacks to Iran and warned of consequences, though Tehran did not immediately respond and no group claimed responsibility. The move, which sent oil prices up more than 3 percent, threatens ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran as both sides had been working toward a deal limiting Iran's nuclear programme while easing U.S. sanctions.