Post by : Badri Ariffin

On Friday, the United States military launched strikes against Iranian military installations following President Donald Trump’s assertions that Iran breached the ceasefire by attacking a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command (Centcom) reported that the operation focused on missile storage facilities, drone sites, and coastal radar setups within Iran. They characterized the strikes as a direct reaction to a drone assault on a commercial vessel on Thursday, which hindered efforts to evacuate thousands of stranded sailors in the area.

Iran denied the US claims, stating the cargo ship was targeted for navigating an unauthorised route in this vital maritime corridor.

Centcom labeled the operation "a powerful response" to an unjustified act against shipping operations.

The command emphasized that this attack on the cargo ship not only violated the ceasefire but also jeopardized safe navigation along one of the globe’s critical trade routes.

Furthermore, Centcom indicated that the US military would persist in its efforts to ensure the safe transit of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

In contrast, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) held the United States responsible for escalating tensions, referring to them as a "treaty-breaking regime."

The IRGC asserted that US forces had launched airstrikes along Iran's coastline under various pretexts concerning the shipping incident.

They alleged that their navy returned fire against US military sites, although specifics were not disclosed.

The IRGC also cautioned that any further US military actions would prompt a stronger response.

After a wave of military operations beginning late February, Iran had essentially closed the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil and gas exports, escalating prices, and delaying vital shipments.

On June 17, the US and Iran reached an agreement aiming to halt hostilities, which emphasized safe passage for commercial vessels over a 60-day period without fees.

Post-strikes, Vice-President JD Vance remarked on X that if Iran had concerns about the memorandum's implementation, diplomatic discussions should be pursued.

He stated, "Violence will be met with violence."

Iranian parliament security head Ebrahim Azizi accused the US of attacking Iran while negotiations were ongoing.

Azizi commented on social media, "This reckless move against the ceasefire will surely lead to regret for them. The blame game is obsolete."

Responding to inquiries at the White House, President Trump stopped short of detailing any further US responses or affirming the ceasefire's validity.

"You’ll find out," Trump stated, indicating his disapproval of Iran’s recent actions. "They shouldn’t be doing that."

Earlier in the week, Trump mentioned that negotiations with Iran were moving along positively and claimed that Tehran had committed to allowing commercial vessels through the Strait without incurring tolls.

On Truth Social, he warned that if any discrepancies arose, negotiations would cease immediately.

The US has criticized suggestions that Iran might impose charges on vessels passing through the Strait, highlighting that it contradicts international maritime law.

On Tuesday, Iranian and Omani officials convened in Muscat to discuss the Strait's navigation management.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi asserted both nations’ commitment to ensuring toll-free passage for shipping.

Conversely, Iran's chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Strait’s management would not revert to its pre-war state.

The cargo ship involved in the incident was the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported the vessel was struck approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s Dahit port.

Evergreen, the ship’s owner, confirmed it was following the UKMTO-recommended route during the attack and stated that all crew members were unharmed, along with minimal impact on the vessel and cargo.

Post-incident, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) halted plans to evacuate over 11,000 sailors stranded in the region since the conflict began.

Why did the US strike Iran?

The US initiated strikes targeting Iranian missile and drone facilities following an alleged drone assault on a commercial ship, deeming it a ceasefire violation.

What transpired in the Strait of Hormuz?

The Singapore-flagged cargo ship Ever Lovely was hit while traversing the Strait. Iran contended it was on an unauthorised course while the US stated it adhered to approved shipping protocols.

What was Iran's response to the US strikes?

Iran accused the US of breaching the ceasefire, claimed retaliation against US military positions, and threatened a stronger response to any future US actions.

#Global News #Strait of Hormuz #Global Updates #World News