The United States has claimed to have launched a retaliatory military operation against Iran following a drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was carried out in response to the targeting of a commercial ship on 25 June. The United States said its objective is to ensure the security of international maritime trade and maintain stability along strategic sea routes.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, CENTCOM said that on 26 June the US military conducted precision airstrikes against multiple military sites in Iran. According to the statement, the strikes targeted alleged missile storage facilities, drone launch sites and coastal radar installations.
CENTCOM said the operation was entirely retaliatory and aimed to degrade military capabilities that could be used in attacks against commercial vessels.
According to the United States, the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel M/V Ever Lovely was struck by a drone while sailing from the Strait of Hormuz towards the coast of Oman. US officials claimed that a one-way attack drone was used in the incident.
CENTCOM described the attack as a violation of international maritime law and the ceasefire arrangement, stating that targeting commercial vessels poses a threat to global trade and maritime security.
The US military said it will continue its military presence and surveillance in the region to help ensure the security of commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. It added that maritime security measures would be strengthened in coordination with partner countries to help prevent disruption to the global supply chain.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed that a container ship near the coast of Oman had been struck by a projectile. No injuries were reported, and the vessel was able to continue its voyage.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended ship evacuation operations in the Persian Gulf. The organisation said evacuation efforts would resume only after the safety of other vessels in the area has been ensured.
According to the IMO, about 115 ships have safely transited the strait in recent days, while around 500 vessels remain in the strategic maritime corridor.
US President Donald Trump criticised the drone attack in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire arrangement. He said four drones were used in the attack, of which the US military intercepted three, while one struck the upper section of the vessel and caused damage.
