CENTCOM pokreće napad nakon što je iranski dron udario u naftni tanker pod zastavom Paname.

CENTCOM confirmed on Saturday that U.S. forces conducted additional airstrikes targeting several locations within Iran in retaliation for a drone attack on a Panama-flagged oil tanker. The incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical maritime corridors for global oil transport. According to CENTCOM, the drone strike took place at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time, hitting the M/T Kiku, which was carrying over two million barrels of crude oil. The attack reportedly damaged the vessel’s bridge but did not result in any casualties or environmental harm.

The U.S. military stated that the strikes were a direct response to Iran’s alleged violation of a previously established ceasefire agreement. This comes just two days after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was accused of attacking the Singapore-flagged M/V Ever Lovely in the same area using a similar method. The U.S. government, including officials from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, confirmed the attack on the M/T Kiku, though the exact nature of the weapon used—whether a drone or an unknown projectile—remained unclear. The British assessment placed the attack approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman.

Following the drone strike, U.S. forces retaliated by targeting Iranian missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar installations. These strikes were framed by CENTCOM as necessary measures to protect freedom of navigation through the strategically vital waterway. The U.S. administration emphasized that Iran had been given an opportunity to uphold the ceasefire but instead chose to escalate tensions further. This sequence of events highlights the escalating cycle of conflict between the U.S. and Iran, with each side responding to perceived provocations with increased military activity.

Meanwhile, the situation surrounding diplomatic efforts remains complex. A French aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, concluded its nearly two-month deployment near the Strait of Hormuz and began its journey back to France. This move suggests that the interim peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, aimed at easing tensions, may have contributed to a temporary reduction in hostilities. However, the effectiveness of these diplomatic initiatives remains uncertain, particularly as Iran has yet to engage directly with U.S. envoys.

Iranian officials have made it clear that they are unwilling to meet with U.S. representatives, stating that discussions must first address the terms of the recent ceasefire before moving on to more contentious issues, such as limitations on Iran’s nuclear program. The country’s top negotiator, Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf, reiterated that the sovereignty of the Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran and Oman, and that traffic through the waterway should be managed accordingly. This stance has led to concerns that Iran might resume imposing tolls or other charges on commercial vessels once the current 60-day negotiation period concludes.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has expressed strong opposition to any such measures, asserting that Iran would not be allowed to collect tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that oil shipments through the waterway have already returned to pre-war levels, although he did not provide specific data to support this claim. Despite these assurances, the future of the region remains precarious, with the potential for renewed conflict looming if diplomatic channels fail to produce meaningful progress.

As the situation continues to evolve, the broader implications extend beyond immediate military confrontations. Global oil prices have seen a decline following the recent strikes and the resumption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Nonetheless, vulnerable economies may still face challenges related to rising food and fuel costs, even as energy markets stabilize. The ongoing conflict has also intensified political pressures on President Trump ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.