The U.S. military has once again attacked Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz. According to a release from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday night, the strikes were a response to an earlier Iranian attack on a merchant ship that occurred on Thursday. U.S. aircraft targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar stations. However, a U.S. official told American media that these strikes do not signal a return to larger military engagements by the United States.
In response to the U.S. actions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that Iran targeted U.S. military installations in the region, though the U.S. military has not confirmed these reciprocal strikes. Vice President JD Vance stated that violence would be met with violence.
Earlier, President Donald Trump referred to the Iranian drone attack on the ship as a “foolish violation” of the agreement intended to end the conflict with Iran. Nevertheless, he made no statement regarding whether this incident would lead to a broader resurgence of hostilities. Trump noted that the attack indicated that Iran retained certain military capabilities despite the months-long U.S. campaign.
It is worth noting that the U.S. and Iran had previously signed a declaration of intent aimed at ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remained open and initiating further negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
