US strikes Iran after cargo ship drone attack, Iran retaliates against Bahrain

Ceasefire agreement under strain

On June 17, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding to begin talks to end their four-month war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. That deal has now been tested by multiple rounds of attacks. Both sides accuse each other of violating its terms. A senior US official quoted by The Wall Street Journal said the ceasefire was still in effect and that Friday's US strikes were solely retaliation for the ship attack.

US airstrikes on Iran

After Iran struck a Singapore-flagged cargo ship with a drone on Thursday, President Donald Trump told reporters "You will see" when asked if Washington would respond. Hours later, US Central Command said its forces hit Iranian missile and drone facilities, along with coastal radar stations. Six US Air Force warplanes struck four positions along the Strait of Hormuz and on Ghesm Island, and the attacks lasted about 90 minutes, according to a US official cited by US media.

“I don't like the fact that they shot yesterday, actually four of them.”

Iran retaliates against US targets and Bahrain

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched "defensive" strikes against US targets in the Gulf region in response to the US raids. Later, Bahrain condemned an Iranian drone attack on its territory as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty. A tanker also reported being hit by projectiles on Saturday, suffering damage but no casualties among the crew.

“The Strait of Hormuz is governed by Iran, so: Respect the rules... This is not a violation of the ceasefire; it is management of the ceasefire.”

Control over the Strait of Hormuz

The flare-up centers on Tehran's assertion of authority over ship traffic through the narrow waterway. Iran has said vessels must follow routes designated by Tehran and warned Gulf states against siding with Washington. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi dismissed reports of a direct US-Iran communication line, writing on X that "this has not happened and will not happen... The Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and has no connection to the United States." Vice President JD Vance had earlier said a channel would be established to ease tensions.

“But violence will be met with violence.”

Broader regional developments and humanitarian impact

The renewed hostilities have suspended the evacuation of stranded sailors. More than 8,000 seafarers remain blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, according to RFI. In a separate development, Israel and Lebanon signed a deal to end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, though Hezbollah said it would not cooperate.