The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, announced on 26/6 that it had attacked multiple targets in Iran. Washington stated the strikes were in retaliation for an alleged Iranian "attack on a cargo ship" transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the airstrike on Iran, US vice president JD Vance posted on social media, stating, "Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We respected it. If they have disagreements on how to apply the memorandum, they can pick up the phone. But violence will be met with violence."

US vice president JD Vance speaks at a press conference at the Burgenstock resort, Switzerland, 22/6. *Photo: AP*

CENTCOM had previously reported striking Iranian missile depots, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and coastal radar stations. The US military asserted that Iran launched a suicide UAV that attacked the cargo ship Ever Lovely off the coast of Oman the day before. Iran has denied involvement in this incident.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) condemned the US airstrikes on its targets, asserting that Washington had violated commitments made in a memorandum signed with Tehran last week.

The IRGC declared, "If aggressive actions continue, we will respond strongly and on a larger scale." The group also announced it had "attacked US military positions in the region" in retaliation, though it did not specify the locations.

The cargo ship Ever Lovely was reportedly struck by a suspected UAV in waters about 14 km southeast of Dahit, Oman. No casualties were reported, and the vessel continued its journey, departing the area.

On 17/6, Iran and the US signed a memorandum aimed at ending over three months of conflict. This agreement initiated a 60-day negotiation period to address issues like Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief.

The locations of Iran, Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

Despite the agreement, both nations continue to clash, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz. The US claims Iran guaranteed no transit fees for ships, but Iran and Oman have stated they will study potential costs from strait management services, asserting their sovereignty over the vital waterway.

A senior Iranian diplomat argued that, based on Iran's interpretation of the memorandum signed with the US, vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, even those using routes near Oman, must still coordinate with Tehran.

*Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters, Guardian)*