Washington: The United States carried out military strikes on Iran after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement by launching a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The latest developments have increased tensions in West Asia, even as Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement aimed at reducing conflict.
US President Donald Trump said Iran violated the ceasefire by attacking a commercial vessel. Shortly after the accusation, the US Central Command launched strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar sites.
US Responds to Drone Attack
According to US officials, the strikes targeted military infrastructure linked to Iran’s drone and missile operations. The operation ended about an hour after it began.
The United States said the action was a direct response to the drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
Iran Condemns US Military Action
Iran strongly criticised the US strikes and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the attack showed that the US was not committed to negotiations. He warned that Iran would respond if similar actions continued.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities said operations at Sirik Port continued normally and reported no damage to the port after the US strikes.
Israel and Lebanon Sign Framework Agreement
In a separate development, Israel and Lebanon announced a framework agreement in Washington with support from the United States.
Officials from both countries described the agreement as the first step towards peace after months of conflict involving Israeli forces and Hezbollah.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement and called it “the beginning of the beginning” for improving relations between the two countries.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Under Watch
The Strait of Hormuz remains under close international monitoring because it is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The United Nations has called for the waterway to remain open and urged all parties to honour their commitments. Shipping authorities also warned that continued tensions could disrupt global trade and energy supplies.
Global Concerns Continue
The latest developments have drawn international attention as governments monitor the situation closely.
While diplomatic efforts continue, the region remains tense following the US military action against Iran and the new framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon.