US Strikes Iranian Targets After Cargo Ship Attack

US forces carried out strikes on Iranian military targets after Washington accused Tehran of breaching a ceasefire agreement by attacking a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

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The action followed an incident on Thursday in which a one-way attack drone struck a cargo vessel transiting the strategic waterway. No casualties were reported, but the attack prompted plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors who had remained in the region amid heightened security concerns.

President Donald Trump described the attack as a "foolish violation" of the truce between the United States and Iran. Asked shortly before the military operation whether Washington would retaliate, Trump replied: "You'll see."

Military response

US Central Command (Centcom) said on Friday that American forces targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, along with coastal radar sites, in response to the attack.

In a statement, Centcom described the operation as "a powerful response" to what it called Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.

It said the drone strike had clearly violated the ceasefire and accused Iran of threatening freedom of navigation through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

Centcom added that US forces would continue coordinating and supporting the safe passage of commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz tensions

The latest escalation comes months after fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran disrupted shipping in the Gulf.

Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran that began at the end of February, Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and gas exports. The disruption drove up international oil prices and delayed shipments of other key commodities, including fertiliser.

The strait is regarded as one of the world's most strategically significant waterways because a substantial share of global energy supplies passes through it.

Ceasefire under strain

The United States and Iran reached a 14-point memorandum of understanding on 17 June aimed at ending hostilities.

Among its provisions, Iran agreed to use its "best efforts" to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz without imposing charges for a period of 60 days.

Washington said Thursday's drone attack breached those commitments, prompting the military response announced by Centcom.

The strikes mark the latest setback for efforts to stabilise the region following weeks of conflict and renewed international concern over the security of commercial shipping in the Gulf.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026

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