US strikes Iranian missile sites after drone attack on cargo vessel in Strait of Hormuz

The United States military launched air strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar installations on Friday, saying the attacks were a "powerful response" to a drone strike that hit the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The drone attack halted a planned evacuation of thousands of sailors in the region.

U.S. Central Command said the strikes were intended to protect commercial shipping and maintain freedom of navigation through the vital waterway. It added that the United States would continue to coordinate safe passage for vessels transiting the strait.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) condemned the U.S. action, describing it as a breach of the cease-fire agreement and claiming the United States launched the strike under “various pretexts.” The IRGC warned that any repeat of the aggression would elicit a larger response.

Negotiations to end hostilities, outlined in a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, remain fragile. Vice-President JD Vance urged Iran to resolve disputes by phone, while Iranian officials accused the United States of violating the cease-fire during ongoing talks.

President Donald Trump declined to comment on the specific U.S. response, stating only that he did not approve of the Iranian action. Recent statements from both sides suggest that discussions on toll-free navigation continue, with Omani and Iranian officials meeting in Muscat to address future management of the strait.