U.S. Targets Iranian Military Sites Following Drone Attack on Commercial Vessel in Hormuz

The United States military has launched a series of "powerful" retaliatory strikes against Iranian assets along the Strait of Hormuz and Qeshm Island. U.S. Central Command confirmed the 90-minute operation targeted missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar installations. The action follows a drone strike on the cargo ship Ever Lovely, which marked the first confirmed Iranian assault on a commercial vessel since a ceasefire was established on June 17. President Donald Trump characterized the Iranian move as a "foolish violation" of the agreement, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to target U.S. deployment sites in response. Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts have intensified behind the scenes. Qatari officials confirmed the establishment of a direct communication channel between the U.S. and the IRGC to prevent a full-scale maritime conflict. Meanwhile, Pakistan has stepped in to mediate technical negotiations regarding nuclear inspection access after Iran barred international monitors from key sites. The regional situation remains volatile as Israel signaled its readiness for further military action, and the UN reported a sharp decline in commercial shipping traffic through the Persian Gulf.