US Military Strikes Iranian Drone Facilities Following Attack on Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON, June 26 – Following the recent signing of a memorandum to end hostilities, tensions have flared again after a merchant vessel was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military announced today that it conducted strikes against Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar stations, in retaliation for an Iranian drone attack on the Ever Given (Ever Lovely), a vessel owned by Evergreen Marine Corporation.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X that the strikes were a "forceful response" to the attack on a commercial ship yesterday. CENTCOM noted that after an Iranian one-way attack drone struck the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely, which was transiting off the coast of Oman, U.S. military aircraft targeted the responsible facilities and coastal surveillance infrastructure.

CENTCOM emphasized that Iran's provocative actions against commercial shipping clearly violate the ceasefire agreement. The U.S. remains committed to coordinating and supporting the safe passage of commercial vessels through this critical international waterway, maintaining a vigilant posture to ensure the full implementation of the U.S.-Iran agreement.

President Donald Trump reported via social media that Iran launched at least four drones, one of which struck the upper deck of the vessel, causing damage but allowing the ship to remain operational. The U.S. successfully intercepted the other three drones. Trump condemned the action as a violation of the ceasefire.

Evergreen Marine Corporation confirmed that the Ever Lovely was struck by an unidentified object on its starboard side while following recommended maritime routes. While the vessel sustained damage to its bridge windows and eaves, the crew, cargo, and ship remain secure, and it has since safely exited the Strait.