The United States military carried out airstrikes against Iranian targets after President Donald Trump labeled Iran’s recent drone attack on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz a “foolish violation” of the cease‑fire.
The vessel was hit by a one‑way attack drone on Thursday; no injuries were reported, but the incident triggered an evacuation plan for more than 11,000 sailors in the area.
U.S. Central Command announced Friday that it had struck missile and drone storage sites as well as coastal radar installations. Iran has not yet responded publicly.
Moments before the strikes were disclosed, President Trump said “you’ll see” when asked whether the United States would retaliate.
Centcom described the operation as “a powerful response” to the drone attack.
“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the cease‑fire,” the statement read. “Iran’s dangerous behavior also undermines freedom of navigation through this vital international trade corridor.”
Centcom added that the U.S. will continue to coordinate safe passage and support for commercial vessels transiting the strait.
It remains unclear whether the strikes are isolated or part of a broader campaign.
Following a series of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February, Tehran effectively closed the strait—a crucial route for oil, gas and other commodities—causing a surge in global oil prices and disrupting shipments of fertiliser.
On 17 June, the United States and Iran signed a 14‑point memorandum of understanding to end hostilities, which also required Iran to ensure toll‑free passage for commercial vessels for 60 days.
At a White House briefing on Friday, Trump declined to comment on how the United States would respond to the drone attack or whether the cease‑fire remained intact.
“You’ll find out,” he said. “I don’t like that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn’t be doing that.”
When asked why Iran might have carried out the operation, Trump replied only that “they’re a little bit different.”
In recent days, Trump and other officials have claimed that negotiations with Iran are progressing, noting that Tehran has indicated it will not impose tolls on vessels transiting the strait.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran told the United States there would be “no tolls, no insurance costs and no other charges of any kind being sought or received.” He added, “If this is false information, negotiations would end, immediately.”
The United States has condemned reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers, arguing that any toll system would violate international maritime law.
Earlier this week, Iranian and Omani officials met in Muscat to discuss the future management of navigation. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al‑Busaidi said both countries remain committed to “toll‑free safe passage.”
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that “the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never go back to the way it was before the war.”
