U.S. Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes Against Iran Following Drone Attack on Commercial Ship

The United States launched precision retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar sites on June 26–27. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the action follows an Iranian drone attack on the M/V Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel, in the Strait of Hormuz. Although three drones were intercepted by U.S. forces, one struck the vessel's upper deck; no casualties were reported. President Donald Trump described the move by Iran as a "foolish violation" of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 17. Vice President JD Vance reinforced the administration's stance, stating that "violence will be met with violence." In response, Iranian officials have asserted their control over the Strait of Hormuz and announced they will no longer maintain direct communication lines with the U.S. to coordinate transit in the waterway. The escalation has caused immediate humanitarian and economic disruptions. The United Nations has suspended the evacuation of approximately 11,000 seafarers currently stranded in the Gulf due to fears of naval mines and further kinetic activity. While regional proxies such as Hezbollah remain active, officials emphasize that this latest engagement is a direct confrontation between U.S. and Iranian forces, placing the 60-day interim peace deal in significant jeopardy.