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US launches second night of strikes against Iran after ship struck by drone

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • The United States conducted a second night of strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure and communication systems.
  • These actions followed Iran's alleged drone strike on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
  • The renewed attacks suggest a potential breakdown of a regional Middle East ceasefire agreement established on June 17.

The United States launched a second consecutive night of strikes against Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes were a direct response to "continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping."

CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)Explaining the motivation behind the latest strikes.

According to CENTCOM, U.S. military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities. Explosions were reported in southern Iran near the port of Sirik, an area also targeted in Friday's strikes.

These actions come after a Panama-flagged tanker, the Kiku, was reportedly hit by a "one-way attack drone" while traversing the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The vessel was carrying over 2 million barrels of crude oil, though no crew members were injured and no cargo leakage was reported.

U.S. military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities.

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)Detailing the specific targets of the strikes.

This incident mirrors a similar event on Thursday when the Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely was struck by a drone in the same strait. While no injuries were reported in that instance, U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the strike as a "foolish violation" of a June 17 memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing a regional ceasefire.

After yesterday’s U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement.

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)Referencing previous actions and Iran's response.

CENTCOM indicated that Iran was given an opportunity to honor the ceasefire after Friday's U.S. strikes but "elected not to," citing the Kiku drone strike. The command asserted that U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to ensure continued commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in regional negotiations.

Iran “elected not to”, it added, citing the Kiku drone strike.

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)Stating Iran's alleged failure to adhere to the ceasefire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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