U.S. forces struck targets inside Iran on Friday, June 26, after Iranian drones attacked a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.
U.S. Central Command said American aircraft hit Iranian missile and drone storage sites along with coastal radar installations.
The strikes came one day after Tehran launched at least four one-way attack drones at vessels passing through the narrow waterway.
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President Trump described the incident on Truth Social as a clear breach of a ceasefire agreement.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran shot at least four One Way Attack Drones at Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz. One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive cargo-carrying ship.
“Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,” he wrote.
The Singapore-flagged vessel M/V Ever Lovely was exiting the strait along the Omani coast when the drone struck its upper deck on June 25. The ship sustained damage but continued its journey.
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In a statement on social media, CENTCOM said the Iranian action violated the ceasefire and threatened freedom of navigation in a critical shipping route.
“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces violated the ceasefire. Iran’s dangerous behavior undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor,” the command stated.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil exports. Tankers and cargo ships pass through the narrow passage every day, whereby any disruption is a worry for global energy markets and supply chains.
U.S. Central Command forces carried out the strikes using aircraft targeting specific Iranian facilities.
Officials described the response as measured but firm. CENTCOM emphasized that American forces remain active in the area to protect commercial shipping.
“The U.S. military remains present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect,” the statement said.
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The incident marks a sudden rise in tensions in a region amid ongoing talks between Tehran and the U.S.
The strait serves as a chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes through it on any given day, according to shipping data.
The U.S. and Tehran recently reached a ceasefire deal that included opening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial ships and waiving tolls for at least 60 days.
Washington and Tehran aim to use the 60-day ceasefire period to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the many sanctions that the U.S. has been imposing on it.
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Gas prices had already started to drop after the ceasefire was effected and the Strait opened.
Attacks on commercial vessels drive up insurance costs and can require rerouting, thus adding time and expense to voyages.
The swift but limited U.S. response in this case seems aimed at restoring deterrence without a serious escalation.
No immediate casualties were mentioned in official statements from either side. The U.S. has not released detailed imagery or additional specifics about the damage inflicted.
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In recent weeks, commercial shipping lines have relied on the U.S. and its naval presence to keep lanes open.
CENTCOM said it would continue to support safe passage for merchant vessels.
Further updates are expected as more details emerge from the region. For now, the focus remains on preventing additional incidents and keeping commercial routes secure.
