US forces carried out strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar positions on Friday, after Washington accused Tehran of attacking a commercial cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to US Central Command, the operation was launched in response to what it called "unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces" that "clearly violated the ceasefire."
The military described the strikes as "a powerful response to yesterday's attack on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz."
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 26, 2026
Tensions rise around Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump also condemned the reported attack on the vessel, saying, "Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement."
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The latest exchange has raised concerns over the fragile ceasefire and ongoing efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a vital shipping route that handles a significant share of the world's oil and gas exports.
Iran has warned ships against entering or leaving the Gulf through the strait without permission. However, maritime traffic has continued, with several vessels reportedly using routes along the coast of Oman that were not approved by Tehran.
The UN maritime agency said an evacuation effort had helped 115 vessels and around 2,500 seafarers leave the affected area before the latest attack forced the operation to stop.
Despite the renewed tensions, oil prices fell sharply as markets remained hopeful that shipping through the strategic waterway would continue.
US-backed Lebanon framework announced
Meanwhile, Israel, Lebanon and the United States signed a framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions on the Lebanese front.
Per a report by NDTV, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement "begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security".
"It's the beginning of the beginning. There's a lot of work ahead," he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as a victory against Iranian influence, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called it a "first step" towards restoring civilian life in southern Lebanon.
IAEA calls for strong nuclear checks
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said any future agreement with Iran must include strict monitoring measures.
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"The government of Iran has declared quite clearly that this is not their intention," he said regarding nuclear weapons development, reported NDTV.
"But of course intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place... as soon as is practicable," Grossi added, noting that discussions with Iran had only "barely initiated."
FAQs:
Why did the US strike Iranian sites?
The US said the strikes were a response to an alleged Iranian attack on a commercial cargo ship.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
It is one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, handling a large share of global energy exports.
