US conducts additional strikes on Iran after latest commercial ship attack
Washington, June 28
The United States carried out additional military strikes against multiple Iranian targets on Saturday after Tehran allegedly launched another drone attack on a commercial oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command.
The latest action came a day after US forces conducted retaliatory strikes following what Washington described as an Iranian attack on the commercial vessel M/V Ever Lovely. US officials said Iran was given an opportunity to abide by a ceasefire agreement but instead escalated the situation with another strike on a tanker transiting one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes.
In an official statement posted on X, CENTCOM said, "US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran, June 27, at the Commander in Chief's direction."
The command added that Iran had been given "a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement" following Friday's US response but "elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET."
According to CENTCOM, the Panama-flagged tanker was carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz at the time of the attack.
Describing the objectives of the latest operation, CENTCOM said, "CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping. US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities."
In a separate post, the command also disclosed that "US Navy and Air Force fighter jets conducted strikes tonight on 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz for Iran's drone attack on M/T Kiku."
The latest military action marks another escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the United States stating that the strikes were intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten international shipping in the region.
Despite the heightened military activity, CENTCOM said commercial shipping continues through the vital waterway.
"Commercial vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz continue. US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," the statement concluded.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest energy corridors, handling a significant share of global oil exports, making any disruption to maritime traffic a major concern for international markets and regional security.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The US keeps saying they want peace, but then they strike again and again. Iran's attacks on commercial ships are unacceptable, but so is America's unilateral military action. Meanwhile, our Indian sailors on those tankers are caught in the crossfire. 😔 The world needs a ceasefire, not more missiles.
As an American who lived in India for five years, I understand why Indians are worried. This Strait is critical for global energy security. The US should have exhausted diplomatic options fully before bombing. But Iran's drone attacks on commercial vessels are blatant provocation. Both sides need to step back.
India must stay neutral but also protect our interests. We depend on stable oil prices and safe shipping lanes. This US-Iran conflict is not our war, but we'll suffer the consequences. The government should actively engage with both sides to ensure Indian shipping and sailors are safe. Also, why is the UN Security Council silent?
I'm tired of superpowers fighting over oil while smaller nations pay the price. The US says Iran attacked a tanker, but who verifies these claims? Let the IAEA or UN investigate. India should call for an independent inquiry before more innocent people die. War is not the answer - especially when our sailors are on those ships. ✌️
This is a tragic cycle of violence. The US retaliates, Iran retaliates, and the region burns. India has historical ties with both nations - we should use our diplomatic weight to push for a ceasefire. The Strait of Hormuz is too
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