The US military launched a strike against Iran on Friday in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, involved Iranian drones attacking a Singapore-flagged cargo ship that was exiting the Strait of Hormuz, despite a reported ceasefire agreement.
According to recent statements by President Trump, the Iranian attack was a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire agreement. Trump stated that Iran shot at least four attack drones at ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with one drone hitting the upper deck of a large cargo ship. The ship was able to proceed on its way, but damage was done. The US military also knocked down three other drones.
Later on Friday, the US military conducted strikes against Iranian missile and drone storage locations. The strikes were a powerful response to the previous day's attack on the commercial ship, which was transiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast.
The attack on the commercial ship was an unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces, and it clearly violated the ceasefire agreement. The incident also undermines freedom of navigation, as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces continue to provide safe passage coordination and support to commercial vessels transiting the strait. The US 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 US military strikes against Iran are ongoing, with reports indicating that Iran launched attack drones at cargo ships in the Strait earlier on Friday. The strikes are seen as a significant escalation of the conflict between the two nations.
