Iran Strikes Bahrain and Commercial Vessel After US Airstrikes
Iran launched a drone assault targeting Bahrain and a separate attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, marking Tehran's likely retaliation for overnight airstrikes by the United States. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it carried out "powerful" strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites on June 26, responding to Iran's drone attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel M/V Ever Lovely a day earlier.
US Strikes Target Iranian Military Assets
According to CENTCOM, US aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar sites after Iran hit M/V Ever Lovely with a one-way attack drone on June 25. The US described the strike as an unwarranted act of aggression against commercial shipping and a violation of the ceasefire. The Singapore-flagged cargo ship was exiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast when it came under attack.
The US military stated it remains present and vigilant to ensure adherence to all aspects of the agreement with Iran, adding that CENTCOM forces continue to provide safe-passage coordination and support to commercial vessels transiting the strait. US President Donald Trump earlier called the Iranian drone attack on the Ever Lovely "a foolish violation" of the agreement.
Iran Retaliates with Drone Attacks on Bahrain
Iran's Foreign Ministry said its military retaliated by striking targets linked to US forces in Bahrain, describing the attack as a response to US air strikes on Iran's southern coast. Tehran accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding on ending the war. Bahrain condemned the Iranian drone attacks on its territory as a "serious violation" that undermined de-escalation efforts in the region. Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait also condemned the alleged Iranian attacks on Bahrain.
Strait of Hormuz Trade Corridor Under Threat
The US emphasized that Iran's actions undermine freedom of navigation through one of the world's most vital trade corridors. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and the escalating conflict threatens maritime security. The UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on Friday paused its Strait of Hormuz evacuation initiative after the Ever Lovely was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. The IMO had earlier begun evacuating 600 ships and around 11,000 mariners stranded by the closure of the strait during the US-Israeli war on Iran, helping them leave the Gulf through two routes: one via Iranian waters and another via Omani waters under US oversight.
Regional Condemnation and Diplomatic Fallout
The fresh strikes have drawn widespread condemnation from Gulf states. Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait voiced support for Bahrain and called for restraint. The attacks threaten to unravel the fragile truce between the US and Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The US military remains on high alert, monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
