The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted precise airstrikes on Iranian military installations this Friday, as a direct countermeasure to the drone attack Iran carried out on Thursday against commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM's official statement, the airstrikes were executed at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (10:00 PM GMT) and targeted missile and drone depots, along with Iranian coastal radar sites located near the strait.
On Thursday, Iran deployed at least four one-way attack drones against vessels navigating the maritime route. U.S. forces successfully intercepted three drones, although one managed to hit the upper deck of the Singaporean-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely.
The vessel sustained material damage but was able to continue its journey without any casualties or environmental aftermath.
Donald Trump condemned the Iranian attack as a "reckless" and "foolish" breach of the ceasefire recently signed between Washington and Tehran, as reported by outlets like RTVE and El Financiero.
An American official clarified that Friday's airstrikes "do not signify a return to large-scale combat operations," aiming to limit the scope of the military response.
Iranian state television reported damage to air defense areas along the Gulf Coast, including the cities of Abbas Qesh and Sir.
Strained Relations and Fragile Agreements
This incident signifies another setback in the delicate process of easing tensions between the two powers. A memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran had been signed from June 17 to 19 in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, establishing a 60-day moratorium to negotiate a comprehensive agreement on Iran's nuclear program, reopening the strait, and lifting sanctions.
Nonetheless, the agreement began to falter almost immediately. Iran once again closed the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, citing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, and resumed attacks on commercial vessels on Thursday, prompting Friday's military response.
Historical Context of the Conflict
The conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran began on February 28, 2026, with the so-called "Operation Epic Fury," a joint offensive that destroyed over 500 Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow.
In the following weeks, massive bombings occurred, including the attack on Kharg Island—Iran's main oil terminal—on March 14, and the destruction of the Revolutionary Guard's underground headquarters on April 6 with B-2 bombers.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy corridors, with approximately 16 million barrels of oil passing through it daily, making any closure or attack in the area a destabilizing factor for global markets.
Just on June 23, Trump had announced that Iran had agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors on its territory, a development now overshadowed by this Friday's escalation.
Key Questions About the US-Iran Conflict
What prompted the US airstrikes on Iran?
The US conducted airstrikes on Iranian military sites as a direct response to Iran's drone attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
How did the drone attack affect the M/V Ever Lovely?
The M/V Ever Lovely, a Singaporean-flagged cargo ship, suffered material damage when hit by a drone but was able to continue its voyage without any injuries or environmental impacts.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy corridor, with around 16 million barrels of oil passing through daily. Any disruption in this area can destabilize global markets.