US Launches Strikes on Iran After Commercial Ship Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed carrying out military strikes against targets in Iran, describing the operation as a decisive response to Thursday's drone attack on a commercial vessel travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes were announced on Friday, only hours after US President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the incident, calling it a "reckless violation" of the ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the attack on international shipping represented an unjustified act of aggression that threatened freedom of navigation along one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

According to the command, Iran's actions undermined the ceasefire and endangered commercial activities in the strategically important waterway.

The latest military action is the first significant exchange between Washington and Tehran since both governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week that formally ended hostilities and outlined measures to restore normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes also come as representatives of both countries continue negotiations in Switzerland aimed at reaching a permanent peace agreement.

Thursday's drone attack did not result in any casualties, although it triggered plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors who had remained stranded in the region due to heightened security concerns.

While Iran has neither accepted nor denied responsibility for the attack, the country's government has yet to issue an official response to the US military operation.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, disagreements remain over how shipping should be managed through the Strait of Hormuz. Key issues include the designation of maritime routes and whether Iran should be permitted to collect transit fees from vessels using the passage.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, recently argued that long-term maritime security in the Strait cannot be achieved through arrangements that fail to consider Iran's interests as the coastal state.

Meanwhile, CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting commercial shipping and coordinating measures to ensure the safe passage of vessels navigating the strategic waterway.