The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) says its forces have carried out strikes against Iran in what it described as a “powerful response” to Thursday’s attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes were announced on Friday evening, just hours after President Donald Trump accused Iran of being behind Thursday’s attack, describing it as “a foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire. Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behavior undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor,” CENTCOM said in a statement following the operation against the Islamic Republic.
The exchange marks the first major military retaliation since both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week, bringing hostilities to an end and including measures aimed at reopening the strategic waterway.
The latest developments also come as both countries continue talks in Switzerland aimed at reaching a permanent end to the war.
No casualties were reported after a commercial vessel was hit by a one-way attack drone on Thursday, an incident that prompted plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the region.
Although Iran has neither claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack nor denied involvement, the Islamic Republic has yet to publicly respond to the latest US strikes.
Since the MoU was signed, commercial shipping has resumed through the Strait of Hormuz. However, disagreements remain over approved shipping routes and whether Iran should be permitted to impose a toll or transit fee.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, said safe passage through the strait cannot be guaranteed through ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes, or decision-making that excludes Iran’s interests as the coastal state.
CENTCOM said its forces will continue providing safe passage coordination and support for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.