United States and Iran exchange military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that US aircraft conducted strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar sites, following an attack on a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. US Vice President J.D. Vance declared that violence would be met with further force, citing Iran's alleged violation of a ceasefire memorandum. Conversely, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it targeted locations with US military presence in retaliation, accusing Washington of violating their mutual commitments. Iranian state media reported that projectile fire hit near the port of Sirik, while other sources claimed Iranian forces fired warning shots at ships they deemed to be encroaching on their maritime boundaries. Reports indicate that at least four drones were involved in the initial attack on a merchant vessel, with one causing damage. Both nations have accused each other of breaching a memorandum of understanding signed last week regarding regional traffic control and nuclear negotiations. Tensions remain high as both sides threaten further escalations.