The US military has carried out strikes on several Iranian military targets after President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating a ceasefire following a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US strikes targeted missile and drone depots, as well as coastal radar sites. Washington said the action was in response to Thursday’s attack on a merchant ship, an incident that also disrupted a planned evacuation of sailors stranded in the region.
In a statement, CENTCOM described the operation as “a powerful response,” accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire and endangering freedom of navigation in one of the most important international trade corridors by attacking merchant ships.
On the other hand, Iranian authorities said the cargo ship was attacked after it was using an unauthorized route to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the US of violating the interim agreement between the parties and announced that Iranian forces had struck targets linked to the US military.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also stated that its navy had launched attacks on US military positions in the region, without providing further details.
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry announced that the country had been targeted by several Iranian drones, calling the incident a serious violation of sovereignty and accusing Tehran of undermining peace efforts.
The UK’s Merchant Marine Operations also reported that a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. According to British authorities, the ship suffered damage to the bridge, but all crew are safe and no environmental pollution has been reported.
The recent escalation of tensions raises concerns about security in one of the most important sea routes for global trade and energy supplies.