New York : Fresh tensions erupted between the United States and Iran on Friday after the US carried out airstrikes inside Iran, accusing Tehran of attacking a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes marked Washington’s first direct military action against Iran since both countries signed a fragile memorandum of understanding in Switzerland.
The strikes came after the IRGC warned that the earlier US attacks would not go unanswered and promised a “decisive response.” Details of the targeted military sites have not yet been disclosed. The US military action followed remarks by President Donald Trump, who hinted that Washington was preparing to respond to Iran’s alleged actions. When asked by reporters whether the US would retaliate, Trump simply said, “You’ll find out.”
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had conducted precision strikes against Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, along with coastal radar installations. The operation was launched after Iran allegedly used a one-way attack drone to strike the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely on June 25. The vessel was sailing off the coast of Oman while exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Although the drone damaged the ship’s upper deck, it was able to continue its journey.
CENTCOM described the military action as “a powerful response” to what it called Iran’s unprovoked attack on commercial shipping. It said Tehran had violated the ceasefire agreement and threatened freedom of navigation through one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. “The US military remains present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to and remain in full effect,” CENTCOM said, adding that American forces would continue working to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone. But violence will be met with violence,” Vance wrote. Trump accused Tehran of carrying out multiple drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Calling the latest incident a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire understanding, he warned that Iran would face consequences, though he did not initially reveal Washington’s response.
The latest exchange has once again placed the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of global attention. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets and international shipping. The confrontation comes amid an escalating dispute over control of the strategic strait.
Tehran also condemned a joint statement issued by the US and six Gulf states rejecting Iran’s claim that it could impose transit fees on ships using the Strait of Hormuz. Iran described the statement as “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative.” Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said safe passage through the strait could not be guaranteed under “ambiguous arrangements” that ignored Iran’s role as a coastal state.
Adding to the uncertainty, Bloomberg News reported that Oman had informed its allies that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz may eventually be required to pay transit fees. Iranian state television also reported that the IRGC had warned off three foreign oil tankers attempting what it called an “unauthorised passage” through the strait. The report did not identify the vessels or provide further details.
Read Also : Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Violation After Alleged Drone Attack on Ships in Strait of Hormuz
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