The U.S. military conducted further strikes against Iran hours after a tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the most significant escalation since the two nations agreed to an interim peace deal two weeks prior. Both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement that concluded a four-month conflict.
U.S. Central Command stated that its forces carried out additional strikes following an Iranian drone attack on a Panama-flagged tanker early Saturday. Concurrently, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported explosions in Sirik, southern Iran. U.S. Central Command asserted that Iran was given an opportunity to adhere to the ceasefire but failed to do so, specifying that the strikes targeted Iranian military surveillance, communications, air defense, drone storage, and mine-laying facilities in direct response to ongoing Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.
The attack on the tanker followed a similar incident involving a cargo ship on Thursday, which precipitated the latest period of heightened tensions. Iran appears to be reasserting control over the critical energy shipping route, which had begun to reopen after months of disruption. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the tanker sustained damage to its bridge, though all crew members were safe. The Joint Maritime Information Center, a coalition of navies, consequently raised its security threat level.
Iran has not directly addressed specific ship attacks but reported that the Revolutionary Guards fired warning shots at vessels attempting to transit unapproved routes, implying a requirement for ships to seek Iranian permits. Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry claimed to have launched "defensive" attacks on U.S.-linked military targets, while Bahrain reported an Iranian drone attack. U.S. officials indicated that overnight strikes on Iranian targets were completed.
The escalation comes as Iran accuses the United States of not upholding the interim agreement, particularly regarding a ceasefire in Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to U.S.-brokered ceasefires, though their impact has been limited. Israel maintains its occupation of seized territory, and Hezbollah refuses to disarm while Israeli troops remain. U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the U.S. has honored the ceasefire and warned that violence would be met with retaliation, urging Iran to use diplomatic channels for disagreements.
