On June 26, 2026, US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted airstrikes against Iranian military sites in the Gulf region, according to a statement released on June 27. The strikes were a direct response to an attack on a commercial cargo ship the previous day, which CENTCOM described as 'unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces' that 'clearly violated the ceasefire.'
The operation, named 'Powerful Response,' targeted facilities used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for maritime operations. CENTCOM confirmed that the strikes were 'proportional and deliberate' to minimize civilian casualties, though no immediate casualty figures were provided.
The attack on the cargo ship, identified as the MV *Ocean Venture*, occurred in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel sustained damage but no crew injuries were reported. CENTCOM stated that the ship was 'conducting lawful commerce' and that the attack violated the 2025 ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US-led coalition.
Iranian state media condemned the US strikes as 'an act of aggression' and warned of retaliation. The US State Department urged de-escalation, calling for 'all parties to respect maritime security and the ceasefire.'
As of June 27, 2026, no further military actions have been reported, but tensions remain high in the region. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session to discuss the situation.
