The United States conducted an airstrike on Iranian territory in retaliation for Iran's attack on the Taiwanese-linked container ship Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz. While there are differing statements from both sides regarding the scope of the attack, both Washington and Tehran assessed the events as a violation of the recent ceasefire agreement.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American fighter jets targeted missile and drone storage facilities belonging to Iran, as well as coastal radar systems. In the CENTCOM statement, it was noted, 'The unjust attack by Iranian forces on commercial vessels clearly violated the ceasefire.'

Iranian state television IRIB reported that two missiles hit a telecommunications tower in the Sirik region of Hormozgan province. However, Iranian authorities did not confirm the US claims regarding the targeted military facilities. Independent accounts shared on social media also claimed that explosion sounds were heard in Sirik, but did not provide details about the incident.

In a brief statement made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, it was asserted that the ceasefire agreement had been 'officially violated.' The statement claimed that the four provisions of the agreement, which foresee the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, had been violated in various ways.

Meanwhile, according to Amwaj Media, despite the ongoing tension, a new emergency communication line facilitating direct communication between the US and Iran has been activated. The report indicated that this mechanism, which operates solely via telephone and does not encompass military contacts, was implemented for the first time to manage the retaliation process that began with the attack on the Ever Lovely. This situation is interpreted as an indication that both parties are attempting to manage the tension in a controlled manner.

Later in the day, Iranian sources claimed that they had conducted retaliatory attacks against US military elements in the region. An account linked to Iran, named Hormuz Letter, warned that if the Revolutionary Guards continued to use the transit route in central Oman instead of the route controlled by the Revolutionary Guards in the north for commercial vessels, 'a much more comprehensive response would be given.'

The mutual statements from both parties have not yet been fully verified by independent sources. As developments in the region are closely monitored, the recent events are believed to have heightened concerns regarding the future of the ceasefire process.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye