The United States has launched what it described as retaliatory military action against Iran following a drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The operation was carried out in response to the targeting of a commercial ship on June 25, CENTCOM said.
The United States said its objective is to ensure the security of international maritime trade and maintain stability along strategic sea routes. The development has added to existing security concerns across the region.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, CENTCOM said the U.S. military conducted precision airstrikes on multiple Iranian military sites on June 26. According to the statement, the strikes targeted missile storage facilities, drone launch sites and coastal radar installations.
CENTCOM said the operation was entirely retaliatory and intended 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 leaving the Strait of Hormuz and heading toward the coast of Oman when it was attacked by a drone. U.S. 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 U.S. military said it will continue its military presence and surveillance in the region to ensure the security of all commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. It added that maritime security measures would be strengthened in coordination with partner countries to 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. However, no injuries were reported, and the vessel was able to continue its voyage.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to temporarily suspend the evacuation process for vessels in the Persian Gulf. The organisation said evacuation operations would not resume until the safety of other ships in the area could be ensured.
According to the IMO, about 115 vessels have safely transited the strait in recent days, while approximately 500 ships remain in the strategic maritime area. Experts believe that if tensions escalate further, global oil supplies and international trade could be affected.
U.S. 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 U.S. military intercepted three, while one drone struck and damaged the upper section of the vessel.
