Image source, Reuters
On Saturday, following a drone attack on a Panama-flagged vessel in the narrow Strait of Hormuz, the United States launched a new offensive against Iran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed strikes on multiple Iranian targets, describing the action as a response to ongoing attacks against commercial shipping.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on US infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain, as reported by state media.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
CENTCOM’s statement read: “Iran was given an opportunity to abide by the ceasefire agreement. However, the Iranian military showed disregard by unilaterally launching a drone attack on the Panama-flagged tanker MT Kiku.”
Locations of the Attacks
In response to Iran’s actions, US forces reportedly targeted 10 Iranian military sites in and around Hormuz.
These targets included military equipment, communication systems, air defense centers, and drone storage facilities.
According to the IRGC, the US military attacked five Iranian coastal bases under the pretext that the IRGC Navy was attempting to protect itself against an attacking vessel.
In retaliation, the IRGC claims to have launched ballistic missiles and drones against eight critical naval infrastructures belonging to the Fifth Fleet located at Kuwait’s Ali Al-Salem base and Bahrain’s Port Salman, causing their destruction.
A US official told Reuters that there have been no American casualties or significant damage to US positions in the Middle East.
Iranian statements also referenced an agreement signed earlier this month, noting Tehran’s role in managing the Hormuz Strait and navigation control, while warning that ships repeatedly violating regulations would face more stringent measures.
“Any potential attacks by an enemy at war, whether small or large, will be met with a strong response, as occurred last night and today,” the statement said.
Accusations and Counteraccusations
The Iranian statement accused the US of violating the bilateral memorandum of understanding and warned that Iran would “completely block” the process.
Shortly after the US announced its attack, former President Donald Trump commented on Truth Social, deeming Tehran’s claim that it would “never yield” as “very possible.”
“A situation may arise where we cannot be practical and will be forced to complete the mission initiated by military action,” he wrote on Saturday evening.
His post continued: “If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will cease to exist!”
Hours following the US attack, Kuwait and Bahrain activated their air defense systems.
CENTCOM confirmed that commercial vessels continue to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US retaliatory strikes began after a drone attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV Ever Lovely on June 25, with the recent strikes occurring within hours of that incident.
Clear Violation of Ceasefire
CENTCOM described the US strikes as a “strong response” to the attack on the cargo ship.
It also stated, “The unjust attacks by the Iranian military against commercial shipping constitute a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
Tehran asserted that the attack on the cargo vessel was due to unauthorized navigation through Gulf waters by the ship.
Iran responded to the US retaliatory strikes by accusing America of violating the ceasefire agreement.
In a statement issued Saturday morning, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported further attacks on US-related targets and blamed “the American powers violating the agreement” for the situation.
On June 17, the US and Iran signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding in which they agreed to end hostilities.
The agreement instructed Iran to make every effort to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships without charges for 60 days.
