6 Key Facts on US-Iran Retaliatory Strikes

The US military conducted strikes near the Strait of Hormuz on 28 May, targeting locations it claimed posed threats to US forces and commercial shipping. US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed shooting down four Iranian drones and attacking a land-based control station in Bandar Abbas ahead of a fifth drone launch. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has not reported any incidents involving vessels allegedly shot.

Iranian media reported explosions in eastern Bandar Abbas following the strikes. This marks the second US military operation in three days, with Centcom describing both actions as ‘measured, purely defensive’ to uphold the ceasefire. A previous strike on Monday targeted Iranian missile sites and vessels suspected of laying mines in the strategic waterway.

In response, Iran’s military fired warning shots at ships attempting to transit the Strait without coordination, forcing them to reverse course. Tasnim News, affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that IRGC naval forces targeted a US oil tanker, prompting US strikes near Bandar Abbas.

US President Donald Trump threatened to ‘explode’ Oman should it collaborate with Iran over control of the Strait, calling it international waters during a 27 May cabinet meeting.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson condemned the US strikes and expressed solidarity with Oman following Trump’s remarks.