US strikes Iran sites after cargo ship attack

US forces launched strikes against Iranian missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar positions Friday, escalating tensions after Washington accused Tehran of attacking a commercial cargo ship. The military action jolted a fragile ceasefire, complicating diplomatic efforts to contain the Middle East war.

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unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces

US Central Command stated the strikes were a direct response to "unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces," which they asserted "clearly violated the ceasefire." The operation was characterized as a "powerful response to yesterday’s attack on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz."

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clearly violated the ceasefire.

Iranian state television reported an explosion at a pier in the southern port city of Sirik, citing an informed military source who attributed the blast to a projectile impact. Earlier, US President Donald Trump had condemned what he called an Iranian drone strike on the vessel, labeling it a "foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement."

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a powerful response to yesterday’s attack on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The exchange raises concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas exports, as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations on a broader conflict settlement. Despite Iran's warnings against unauthorized passage, ships have continued to transit the strait, with many using a non-approved southern route. The UN maritime agency had previously facilitated an evacuation of vessels and seafarers, but the attack has forced its suspension.

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Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement.