The United States military has carried out strikes on Iranian targets following what President Donald Trump described as a “foolish violation” of a truce, after a cargo ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar positions on Friday, in what it described as a response to a drone attack on a commercial vessel a day earlier.
The incident had disrupted a planned evacuation effort involving thousands of sailors stranded in the region, according to officials.
Tehran, however, claimed the vessel was targeted for using an unauthorised route through the strategic waterway.
CENTCOM described the operation as “a powerful response”, saying the attack on commercial shipping by Iranian forces breached the ceasefire agreement and threatened freedom of navigation in a vital global trade corridor.
The command also said US forces would continue to support and coordinate safe passage for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blamed the US for what it called a “treaty-breaking” strike, saying American forces had launched an air assault along the Iranian coast over alleged violations linked to shipping routes.
The IRGC also claimed it had retaliated by striking US military positions in the region, although no further details were provided.
It warned that any repeat of such actions would be met with a stronger response.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a flashpoint since the conflict escalated earlier this year, with Iran effectively tightening control over the waterway, disrupting oil and gas flows and contributing to volatility in global energy markets.
A ceasefire understanding reached earlier had called for safe, toll-free passage of commercial vessels, but both sides have since traded accusations of violations.
US Vice-President JD Vance said Iran could resolve disputes through dialogue, warning that “violence will be met with violence”.
However, Iranian officials accused Washington of undermining negotiations and escalating tensions at a sensitive diplomatic moment.
US President Donald Trump declined to comment in detail on possible further action, saying only: “You’ll find out.”
The cargo vessel involved, the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely, was reportedly struck while transiting near Oman but all crew members were reported safe.
In response to the escalating situation, the International Maritime Organization temporarily paused a planned evacuation of stranded sailors in the region.
