The US is reportedly striking Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz as ceasefire talks are thrown into jeopardy. Journalist Barak David reports: “Senior American official: US military attacked Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz area.”
Iranian state media is also reporting a strike in Tahrovieh, Sirik, though its source is not yet known. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed strikes on Friday, calling them “a powerful response to yesterday’s attack on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz”.
US aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites after Iran hit M/V Ever Lovely on June 25 with a one-way attack drone.
The Singapore-flagged cargo ship was leaving the Strait along the Omani coast at the time of the attack. CENTCOM added: “The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire.
“Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behaviour undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor.
“CENTCOM forces continue to provide safe passage co-ordination and support to commercial vessels transiting the strait.
“The US military remains present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect.”
Donald Trump previously hinted at a response to the Iranian attack. When asked if there would be consequences, he said: “You’ll find out.”
The US president was also asked whether the ceasefire was still in place, though he did not give a definitive answer.
He said: “I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday – actually four, we knocked down three – at a ship, not an allied ship, but a ship, a very expensive ship. They shouldn’t be doing that.”
