US Hits Iranian Military Sites Following Alleged Attack on Cargo Vessel

The United States launched strikes on Iranian missile, drone and radar facilities on Friday after accusing Tehran of carrying out an attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command said the strikes were aimed at Iranian military positions linked to what Washington described as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

According to the US military, the action was “a powerful response” to an alleged Iranian attack on a commercial vessel navigating the strategic waterway.

Iranian media later reported an explosion at Taherouyeh pier in Sirik, a southern port city, with officials attributing the incident to a projectile impact.

President Donald Trump strongly criticised Iran over the alleged drone strike.

“Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement,” Trump stated.

The renewed tensions have cast doubt over efforts to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy corridor responsible for transporting around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supplies.

Iran has warned ships against entering or leaving the Gulf without permission, although maritime traffic has continued despite the restrictions.

Shipping tracker Kpler reported that many vessels have opted for an alternative southern route along Oman’s coastline that has not been approved by Tehran.

The United Nations maritime agency said evacuation operations had previously helped rescue 115 stranded vessels and 2,500 seafarers before the latest escalation forced the suspension of the effort.

Even with the renewed military confrontation, oil prices declined as traders remained hopeful that shipping operations through the strait would continue.

Separately, the United States, Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington aimed at advancing peace efforts along the Lebanon-Israel border.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as a first step toward long-term peace and security in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the deal and said Iran and Hezbollah should have no influence over Lebanon’s affairs.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also welcomed the framework, calling it an important step toward restoring stability and allowing displaced civilians to return home.

However, Hezbollah criticised the agreement, arguing that it undermined broader negotiations connected to the US-Iran ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, stressed that any future deal with Iran must include strong nuclear verification measures.

“But of course intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place,” Grossi said.

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