The United States military has conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar installations, responding to what President Donald Trump termed a 'foolish violation' of a ceasefire agreement following a drone attack on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command Confirms Strikes
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that American forces targeted Iranian sites in a 'powerful response' to Thursday's assault on a ship in the strategic waterway. The strikes focused on locations used for storing missiles and drones, as well as coastal radar systems, according to CENTCOM.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that a cargo vessel was struck 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman's port of Dahit by 'an unknown projectile' on Thursday. No injuries were recorded.
Details of the Attack on Ever Lovely
CENTCOM stated that Iranian forces targeted the Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged vessel, using a one-way attack drone. 'The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire,' CENTCOM said. 'Furthermore, Iran's dangerous behavior undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor.'
The Ever Lovely's operator, Evergreen, confirmed the vessel had been adhering to the UKMTO's recommended passage through the strait when it came under attack. 'All crew members remain safe as does the vessel itself and all cargo,' it added.
Trump's Remarks and Iran's Response
The military action followed Trump's remarks to journalists at the White House: 'You'll find out,' when questioned about whether the US would retaliate to the drone strike. 'I don't like the fact that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn't be doing that,' he added. In a Truth Social post earlier on Friday, Trump accused Iran of firing at least four drones at passing ships, with one striking the vessel. 'Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,' he penned.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared its response to the US attacks would be 'swift and decisive, at the time and place we choose.' Iranian state television reported that 'two missiles hit a telecommunications tower in the Sirik area' along the Strait of Hormuz.
