US strikes Iranian military sites after drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
The United States military conducted strikes on Iranian positions on Friday, targeting missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar sites. The operation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, involved F-35 and F-16 aircraft hitting four locations, including three along the coast and one on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, according to US Central Command. The strikes were a response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz the previous day.
The vessel targeted was the M/V Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged ship operated by Evergreen Marine. The drone struck the upper deck of the ship, damaging bridge windows. However, no injuries were reported, and the cargo remained intact. The ship's main engine and navigation equipment continued to function, allowing it to proceed without significant impairment. US forces intercepted three other drones launched in the same incident.
The attack occurred amid a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, signed on June 17, which included a 14-point memorandum of understanding. Among its provisions, Iran agreed to use its best efforts to allow commercial vessels free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. US Central Command stated that the drone strike clearly violated the ceasefire and undermined freedom of navigation in a critical waterway that handles a large share of global oil and gas shipments.
President Donald Trump, in remarks before the strikes, told reporters at the White House, 'I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn’t be doing that.' On his social media platform, he described the drone attack as 'a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement.' The strikes were carried out without prior announcement, with Trump declining to specify any consequences when asked earlier.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the region, though both sides have so far avoided direct military confrontation. The ceasefire, which aimed to de-escalate tensions, now appears fragile. The US has indicated it will continue to enforce freedom of navigation in international waters, while Iran has not yet officially responded to the strikes.
