U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Iran After Tanker Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military conducted fresh strikes against Iranian targets early Sunday, hours after an Iranian drone attacked a Panama-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the most serious escalation since the two nations signed an interim ceasefire agreement two weeks ago.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated its forces targeted Iranian military surveillance, communications, air defense, drone storage, and mine-laying facilities. The command asserted the action was a direct response to “continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping” and noted that Tehran had been given a chance to honor the ceasefire but “elected not to.” A U.S. defense official later confirmed the strikes were complete.

In Iran, state broadcaster IRIB reported explosions near the southern port city of Sirik early Sunday local time, though details were scarce. Iran’s Mehr news agency later said the port was operating normally with no damage to facilities.

The tanker strike on Saturday followed an attack on a cargo ship two days prior, triggering the latest spiral of violence. Britain’s UKMTO maritime security agency reported the tanker sustained damage to its bridge but that all crew members were safe. The Joint Maritime Information Center, operated by a coalition of navies, subsequently raised the security threat level for the strait.

Iran has not directly claimed responsibility for the ship attacks. However, Iranian state television reported the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired “warning shots” at vessels attempting to transit channels not approved by Tehran, adding that ships are now seeking Iranian permits before crossing. Iran’s Foreign Ministry described its own military actions on Saturday as “defensive” strikes on U.S.-linked targets, while Bahrain — host to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet — reported an Iranian drone attack.

Struggle for Control of Vital Waterway

The escalation underscores a broader struggle for control of the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. Since the conflict erupted four months ago, hundreds of vessels have been blockaded inside the Gulf. Their gradual release over the past two weeks had pushed oil prices down toward pre-war levels.

Washington has advocated for a southern shipping lane along the Omani coast, while Tehran seeks to enforce a northern route through its territorial waters, ultimately aiming to impose transit fees. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, warned Saturday that any violation of Iran’s shipping instructions would be met decisively.

Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding by supporting regional proxy forces and stoking tensions in the strait. Bahrain similarly condemned Iran’s latest attacks as a breach of the agreement.

Ceasefire Fragility and Regional Fallout

The interim deal has been fragile from the outset. Iran has accused the U.S. of failing to uphold its side, specifically citing the lack of a sustained ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel — a U.S. ally — has been operating against the Iran-backed Hezbollah since March.

Although Israel and Lebanon agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on Friday, its impact has been limited. Israel refuses to withdraw from seized territory, while Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the agreement as a “surrender” that is “null and void.” Lebanese state media reported an Israeli drone strike in the Nabatiyeh area on Saturday.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the Lebanon deal, saying it permits Israel to maintain a security zone and prevents the return of displaced residents. The displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese, predominantly Shi’ite Muslims, has fueled anger beyond Hezbollah’s base.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the administration’s lead negotiator, insisted Washington had honored the ceasefire and placed the onus on Tehran.

“Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone. But violence will be met with violence,” Vance posted on X.

Source link