US Strikes Iranian Missile, Drone Sites in Retaliatory Strait of Hormuz Attack

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted strikes against Iran on Friday as part of what officials described as a “powerful response” to Iran’s attack on Thursday of a commercial ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials, in a press release on Friday afternoon, said that U.S. forces struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites after Iran hit the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely on June 25 with a one-way attack drone as it was exiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast.

“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire,” CENTCOM said. “Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behavior undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor.”

CENTCOM said that forces continue to provide safe passage coordination and support to commercial vessels transiting the strait, adding, “The U.S. military remains present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect.”

This story will be updated with additional information.