US launches strikes on Iran after cargo ship attack in Strait of Hormuz
The United States has carried out military strikes on Iranian targets after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement by attacking a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes came after a one-way attack drone hit a cargo vessel on Thursday. No casualties were reported, but the incident prompted plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the region.
In response, US Central Command (Centcom) announced on Friday that it had targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar positions. Iranian authorities had not commented on the strikes at the time of publication.
President Donald Trump hinted at retaliation shortly before the operation was confirmed, telling reporters, “You’ll see,” when asked whether the US would respond to the drone attack.
Centcom described the military action as a “powerful response,” accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire and threatening freedom of navigation through one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
According to the US military, the attack on the cargo ship undermined international commerce and endangered commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil, gas and commodity exports.
It remains unclear whether Friday’s strikes were a one-time response or the beginning of a broader military campaign.
The latest escalation follows a ceasefire agreement reached on June 17, when the US and Iran agreed to end hostilities under a 14-point memorandum that included commitments to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at the White House, Trump criticised Iran’s actions but declined to reveal further military plans.
“I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn’t be doing that.”
Earlier this week, Trump also warned that negotiations with Iran would end immediately if Tehran imposed tolls or additional charges on ships using the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, and any disruption has the potential to impact global energy markets and international shipping.
