U.S. and Iran faced renewed tensions Friday after American forces struck Iranian military sites in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred one day after Iran warned ships not to leave designated routes through the waterway, a key corridor for global energy and cargo traffic.
U.S. Central Command said its forces targeted missile and drone storage locations as well as coastal radar sites. CENTCOM described the operation as a response to what it called unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping and a breach of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. It also said Iran's actions threatened freedom of navigation in the strait.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Iran launched four one-way drones at vessels. According to Trump, U.S. forces intercepted three drones, while a fourth hit a Singapore-flagged cargo ship. He said the vessel was damaged but continued its journey. Trump called the attack a violation of the ceasefire and later hinted at a U.S. response before CENTCOM announced the strikes.
The ceasefire followed a memorandum of understanding signed last week by the two countries. Under that arrangement, the Strait of Hormuz was to reopen toll-free for sixty days. However, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned vessels to use approved routes, and Iran's Persian Gulf Seaways Management Organization said responsibility for consequences on unauthorized routes would rest with ship owners, operators, and commanders.
The latest exchange raises questions about ongoing peace negotiations. Vice President JD Vance said earlier this week that talks in Switzerland had established a foundation for further progress. It remains unclear whether Friday's strikes will slow or alter those discussions.
CENTCOM said U.S. forces continue to coordinate safe passage for commercial ships and remain in the region to monitor compliance with the agreement's terms for now.