The United States military conducted strikes against Iranian targets on Friday, responding to a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz that violated a recently agreed-upon truce. The attack on Thursday had also halted a planned evacuation of thousands of sailors stranded in the region.

US Central Command (Centcom) announced it had targeted missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar positions. Centcom described the strikes as a potent response to what it called "unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces," stating it clearly violated the ceasefire and undermined freedom of navigation.

Tehran, however, claimed the cargo ship was attacked for using an unauthorized route through the vital Gulf waterway. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blamed the "treaty-breaking US regime," asserting that the US had launched an airstrike on Iran's coast under various pretexts. The IRGC also stated its navy had retaliated against US military positions in the region, warning that future aggression would be met with more extensive responses.

The incident risks escalating tensions in a critical global trade corridor, particularly after the US and Iran had agreed on a 14-point memorandum of understanding on June 17 to end hostilities. This agreement included a 60-day provision for Iran to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels without charge.

Vice President JD Vance commented via social media that while Iran could address disagreements over the memorandum by phone, "violence will be met with violence." Conversely, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security commission, suggested on social media that the US had attacked Iran during ongoing negotiations, calling it a "reckless violation of the ceasefire" that would lead to regret.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, declined to elaborate on potential US responses or the status of the ceasefire, stating only, "You'll find out. I don't like the fact that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn't be doing that." When asked about Iran's motives, Trump cryptically remarked that "they're a little bit different."

Iran had previously imposed a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli attacks that began in late February. This disruption to oil and gas shipments, as well as other crucial commodities like fertilizer, had previously caused a spike in global oil prices.

Centcom reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels transiting the strait, underscoring the importance of this international trade route. The full extent of any further retaliation from either side remains uncertain.