FLASH
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Washington accuses Tehran of violating the ceasefire, as tensions return to one of the world's most important trade corridors.
The United States has launched air strikes on Iranian military targets after accusing Tehran of shooting down a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz with a drone, violating a recently reached ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that US aircraft struck missile and drone depots, as well as coastal radar positions in Iran, in response to the attack on the M/V Ever Lovely on June 25.
" The unprovoked aggression by Iranian forces against commercial shipping constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire. Iran's behavior jeopardizes freedom of navigation in one of the most vital corridors of international commerce ," CENTCOM stated.
According to the US military, its forces continue to coordinate the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz and will remain present to ensure compliance with the agreement with Iran.
The incident came after a cargo ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, in an event that risks escalating tensions in the region again. Washington claims the attack was carried out by an Iranian drone, although authorities in Tehran have not officially claimed responsibility.
US President Donald Trump immediately reacted through the Truth Social platform, directly accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire agreement.
" The Islamic State of Iran launched at least four attack drones at ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. One of them hit the top of a large cargo ship. We shot down the other three drones. This was a reckless violation of our ceasefire agreement ," Trump wrote.
Although he strongly condemned the attack, the US president did not suggest that Washington intends to escalate the military conflict further.
The attack came just hours after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said ships would only be allowed to sail safely in sea corridors approved by Tehran, challenging US claims that navigation in the Strait of Hormuz had normalised following last week's deal.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Merchant Operations (UKMTO), the ship was hit on the starboard side by an unidentified projectile, sustaining damage to the bridge. No casualties or environmental pollution were reported.
The incident has forced the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to suspend a mission to evacuate hundreds of ships and more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the operation would only resume once the security situation was clearer.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities warned that they no longer guarantee safe passage for ships that do not respect the maritime corridors designated by Tehran, leaving responsibility for any incidents to their owners and operators.
The tensions immediately affected international markets, where the price of Brent oil rose by about 2%, reaching $74 per barrel, amid fears of a new escalation in one of the world's most important oil transport routes.
The agreement signed last week between the US and Iran envisages a cessation of hostilities, guarantees free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the easing of some sanctions on Tehran in exchange for its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. The attack on the ship and the American response cast doubt on the sustainability of this agreement, while the negotiations scheduled for June 30 are expected to take place in a much more tense climate.
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