US Naval forces have struck strategic targets within Iranian territory. The operation serves as a direct response to an attack by Iranian forces on a commercial oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz area. This was officially announced by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
According to the US department, the escalation of the conflict is unfolding against the backdrop of Tehran ignoring the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Previously, the US conducted warning strikes in response to the shelling of the vessel M/V Ever Lovely, giving the Iranian side a chance to return to fulfilling the agreements. However, instead of this, a new provocation followed.
Attack on Tanker M/T Kiku
The critical incident occurred today at 04:30 AM Eastern Time (ET). Iranian forces launched a suicide attack drone that scored a direct hit on the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker M/T Kiku. The vessel was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz, carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil.
The attack on civilian shipping engaged in commercial transport prompted an immediate reaction from Washington. US combat aircraft attacked a number of strategic targets in Iran. Storage facilities and bases for unmanned aerial vehicles used for such attacks were selected as targets.
Situation in the Strait of Hormuz
Despite the sharp intensification of the military confrontation and the strikes on Iranian territory, the US Central Command reports that the transit of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz continues. US forces are on full combat readiness to ensure the safety of sea lanes.
Tensions in the region have risen significantly following a series of incidents that began on June 25, when a civilian vessel was attacked on a route opened under the framework agreement between Iran and the US. US President Donald Trump confirmed the attack and called Tehran's actions a violation of the ceasefire agreements.
In response to Washington's actions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced attacks on US targets in the Middle East, calling it a reaction to US actions. Thus, despite the recent truce, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains extremely tense and unstable.