On Friday, the United States conducted strikes against Iran, marking a strong reaction to an attack by Iran on a cargo ship the previous day as it departed from the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials.
A memorandum of understanding for a ceasefire was signed just last week. However, Iran launched “at least four” one-way attack drones at vessels passing through the strait, as stated by President Trump.
The U.S. managed to intercept three of these drones, but one did crash onto the upper deck of a merchant ship affiliated with the Singaporean branch of Evergreen, a Taiwanese shipping company. President Trump mentioned that the vessel sustained damage but was able to navigate out of the strait without any reported injuries.
“This is clearly a reckless breach of the ceasefire agreement,” the president commented.
Breitbart News reported that the United Nations has initiated an evacuation strategy for a ship trapped in the Persian Gulf after being rammed last Thursday, noting that it had been stranded for over 100 days.
In a statement released on X shortly after 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, CENTCOM confirmed that “U.S. aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage areas and coastal radar sites” in retaliation for Iran’s “unjustified aggression.”
Officials pointed out that “the Iranian military’s unprovoked attack on a commercial vessel is a blatant violation of the ceasefire.” They added that such actions jeopardize freedom of navigation as trade increasingly flows through vital international routes.
Furthermore, CENTCOM assured that U.S. forces “remain present and alert to ensure compliance with all facets of the agreement with Iran,” emphasizing their commitment to support commercial ships passing through the strait.
When questioned on Friday about potential repercussions for Iran if they attacked boats in the Strait, Trump responded, “You’ll find out if you look into it.”
“I’m not in favor of their actions yesterday,” he noted. “That shouldn’t happen. So, you’ll see.”
