An Iranian drone recently targeted a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, causing damage to the ship’s bridge, although the crew remained unharmed, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). CBS News indicated that the drone was linked to Iran, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In response to this aggression, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) temporarily halted plans for the evacuation of vessels from the Persian Gulf region, citing the need to assess safety guarantees for seafarers.
CENTCOM emphasized that the unwarranted aggression from Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire and undermined the freedom of maritime navigation, as global trade increasingly relies on this vital international corridor.
The US military affirmed its commitment to ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels transiting the strait. They also announced their ongoing vigilance regarding adherence to the terms of any agreements with Iran.
Subsequently, videos depicting the strikes on Iranian targets were released.
Context
- On May 28, the US and Iran reached a 60-day ceasefire memorandum aimed at initiating negotiations concerning Tehran’s nuclear program. President Donald Trump stated on June 1 that he had fulfilled a condition set by Iran regarding the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.
- On June 14, Reuters published a draft of a potential memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US covering various issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program and the restoration of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a source, a final agreement would be discussed over the following 60 days.
- Later that day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on social media that the US and Iran had reached a peace agreement following intensive negotiations, with Trump confirming this on Truth Social.
- On June 18, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at concluding the war, with Axios revealing details of the document, indicating it was a more modest agreement than what Trump had previously described as necessary to resolve the conflict with Tehran.
