War Erupts Again: US Strikes Iran, Destroys Missile and Drone Bases

The United States military struck Iran again on Friday (26/6) in response to an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated that its aircraft targeted missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar installations. According to a CNN International report citing an unnamed US official, the American operation has concluded. Iranian media reported that a projectile hit an area near a pier in Sirik, in southern Iran.

However, there are signs of progress elsewhere in the Middle East. Israel and Lebanon have signed an agreement to end the fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. Both parties view the deal as an initial step requiring Hezbollah to disarm and Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon. It remains unclear how the agreement will be enforced, and Hezbollah has stated it will not cooperate.

Tehran has asserted its position as the ‘ruler’ of the Strait of Hormuz and warned Middle Eastern nations against siding with Washington, following Thursday’s (25/6) attack on a cargo ship sailing near the coast of Oman. US President Donald Trump accused Iran of being responsible for the attack and stated that the action violated the agreement reached the previous week. “Unprovoked aggression against a commercial vessel by Iranian forces is a clear violation of the ceasefire,” read a statement from US Central Command when announcing the strikes. The US military stated it would continue to provide “coordination and support for safe navigation” for commercial ships transiting the strait.

Iranian state media, citing an unnamed military source, reported the attack on the port of Sirik after the sound of explosions was heard at the location. The source mentioned that several warning shots had been fired from Sirik towards ships violating Strait of Hormuz regulations approximately five hours earlier, adding that two warning missiles were also launched from the nearby Karpan area towards the strategic waterway. Iran had previously expressed anger over what it called “interventionist, irresponsible, and provocative” statements from the US and six Middle Eastern nations, which rejected Iran’s claim that it has the right to levy fees on ships transiting the strait. “Safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements, alternative routes, or decision-making that does not take into account Iran’s role as a coastal state,” said Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, on the X platform. Bloomberg News reported that Oman had informed its allies that ships transiting Hormuz might have to pay a fee. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. Iranian state television reported that three foreign tankers attempting an unauthorised passage in the strait were ordered to turn back after receiving warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Authorities provided no further details. A US official stated that Washington is looking into the reports.