U.S. and Iran Trade Strikes Following Maritime Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The fragile peace between the United States and Iran is at a breaking point following a series of military exchanges in and around the Strait of Hormuz. On June 26, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar sites near Sirik. The action was a direct response to a June 25 drone attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel M/V Ever Lovely, which President Trump labeled a "foolish violation" of the recently signed ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In the 24 hours following the U.S. strikes, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed to have struck U.S. military-linked targets in retaliation. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. actions as a violation of the UN Charter and the interim peace deal, specifically citing Article 1 of the MoU. Meanwhile, the IRGC has increased pressure on maritime traffic, demanding that all vessels use Iran’s approved traffic separation scheme to maintain control over the critical waterway. The escalation has resulted in immediate humanitarian and commercial disruptions. The International Maritime Organization has halted all seafarer evacuations until safety guarantees can be established. With both President Trump and Iranian President Pezeshkian trading accusations of treaty violations, analysts warn that the June 15 preliminary agreement—intended to end hostilities on all fronts—is now in jeopardy of a total collapse.