Iranian forces launched drone strikes targeting Bahrain and a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz today, claiming retaliation for a recent U.S. airstrike against Iranian military facilities.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack followed Iran’s reported strike on a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel. However, Iran asserts that the United States violated the ceasefire agreement by conducting the airstrike on its coastal sites.
CENTCOM released footage of the incident, describing it as an act of retaliation for Iranian actions.
The leader of Iran’s Parliament warned Gulf Cooperation Council nations not to have placed themselves under U.S. protection: “Violence will be met with violence.”
Bahrain reported that a number of Iranian drones targeted its territory, calling it a “flagrant threat to the security of citizens and residents.”
Iranian officials confirmed that the strikes in Bahrain also hit U.S. military bases.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed an incident involving a tanker: “The vessel sustained damage to its bridge; all crew are reported safe. No environmental damage was reported at present. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.”
A Singapore-flagged cargo ship was reportedly in the Strait of Hormuz when Iran’s attack occurred.
President Trump stated Iran launched at least four “One Way Attack Drones” targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but only one struck a vessel.
Vice President JD Vance added: “We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone.”
Iranian parliament leader Ebrahim Azizi warned Gulf nations that relying on U.S. military protection has made them less secure: “You have seen how U.S. military bases in your countries have turned into a source of threat instead of providing security.”
Former U.S. counterterrorism chief Joe Kent stated: “Our bases in the Middle East are strategic liabilities not strategic assets.”
The recent escalation breaches the first point of the 14-point ceasefire agreement signed by President Trump and Iran on June 17, which called for an immediate and permanent termination of military operations.
Israel has stated it will not abide by the agreement and will retain territories in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria as part of its vision for a larger state.
