US launches airstrikes on Iran after Strait of Hormuz cargo ship attack

The United States launched airstrikes on Iranian military targets after Tehran allegedly attacked a Singapore-flagged commercial cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first direct military action since both countries agreed to a ceasefire earlier this week.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, along with coastal radar installations, following Iran's drone attack on the M/V Ever Lovely on June 25. The cargo ship was sailing along the Omani coast while exiting the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by a one-way attack drone.

"CENTCOM forces conducted strikes against Iran, June 26, as a powerful response to yesterday's attack on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz," the military command said in a statement.

It added that US aircraft struck "Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites after Iran hit M/V Ever Lovely on June 25 with a one-way attack drone."

CENTCOM says Iran violated ceasefire

CENTCOM described the attack on the merchant vessel as a clear breach of the recently agreed ceasefire.

"The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire. Furthermore, Iran's dangerous behaviour undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor," the statement said.

The command added that US forces will continue to ensure the safe movement of commercial vessels through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

"CENTCOM forces continue to provide safe passage coordination and support to commercial vessels transiting the strait. The U.S. military remains present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect."

Trump condemns Iran's drone attack

Hours before the strikes, US President Donald Trump criticised Iran's attack on the commercial vessel.

"I don't like the fact that they took a shot yesterday," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "They shouldn't be doing that. You'll find out."

Earlier, Trump posted on social media that Iran had launched four one-way attack drones targeting ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He said US forces intercepted three drones, while the fourth struck the cargo vessel.

"Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement," Trump wrote.

Iran yet to acknowledge responsibility

Iran has not officially acknowledged responsibility for the attack on the cargo ship.

However, The Wall Street Journal, citing Iranian state media, reported that projectiles struck a telecommunications tower in Sirik, a port overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, following the US retaliation.

The report added that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that "any new folly will be met with a strong response that will shatter the illusions of the aggressors in the region."

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it had thwarted part of the US military operation and forced American forces to retreat, although the US military has not confirmed the claim.

According to The New York Times, citing US officials familiar with the operation, the American strikes lasted around 90 minutes and were designed as a limited retaliatory response rather than the beginning of a broader military campaign.

Ceasefire faces fresh uncertainty

The latest military exchange comes just days after Washington and Tehran agreed to halt hostilities following weeks of conflict.

The ceasefire framework called for both sides to suspend military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and begin negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme and other unresolved issues.

However, the attack on the M/V Ever Lovely and the subsequent US airstrikes have raised fresh concerns about the durability of the fragile ceasefire and the security of one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.