The United States conducted targeted airstrikes on Iranian military sites on Friday, marking the first direct US military action against Iran since the signing of a fragile ceasefire agreement earlier this month.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, as well as coastal radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz and on Qeshm Island. The strikes were in direct response to an Iranian drone attack on a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel, the M/V Ever Lovely, the previous day.
President Donald Trump described the Iranian action as a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire and warned that the US would respond forcefully to any threats to international shipping in the critical waterway. Iran has condemned the US strikes as a “gross violation” of the ceasefire and a breach of the UN Charter.
This escalation comes just days after both sides agreed to a 60-day negotiating window aimed at reaching a comprehensive final nuclear and peace deal. Analysts fear the tit-for-tat actions could derail the delicate diplomatic progress made in Switzerland.
