The United States military conducted strikes on Iran on June 26, 2026, according to a statement from US Central Command. The action was taken in response to an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz that occurred earlier that week.
US Central Command said the strikes targeted facilities used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to launch drone attacks. The Pentagon stated the operation was a defensive measure to protect commercial shipping in the vital waterway.
The cargo ship, identified as the MV Star of the Gulf, was struck by a drone on June 24, causing damage but no casualties, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. The vessel was able to continue to its destination under its own power.
The incident raises tensions between the US and Iran, which had been engaged in indirect talks through Oman regarding a potential interim agreement on Iran's nuclear program. No official comment has been made on the status of those talks following the strikes.
Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that air defenses were activated near the port of Bandar Abbas, but did not confirm any damage or casualties from the US strikes. The situation remains fluid, with both sides calling for restraint from international partners.
