US strikes Iran targets after tanker drone attack: CENTCOM

CENTCOM confirms strikes on Iranian military sites

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Saturday that American forces conducted additional strikes against multiple Iranian military targets on June 27, hitting surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, and air defense sites in retaliation for Tehran's latest aggression against commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The operation targeted facilities Washington said were used to threaten vessels navigating the vital chokepoint, according to a statement from the command.

The strikes came after Iranian forces launched a one-way attack drone that struck the Panama-flagged M/T Kiku at approximately 4:30 a.m. Eastern Time while the vessel transited near the strait carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil. CENTCOM noted that commercial vessel transits through the waterway continue despite the hostilities, adding that US forces "remain vigilant, lethal, and ready."

Attacks follow ceasefire rejection

The operation occurred after Washington conducted strikes the previous day in response to an Iranian assault on the M/V Ever Lovely, with the command stating that Tehran had been offered an opportunity to honor a ceasefire agreement but "elected not to." US military aircraft targeted drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities alongside the other infrastructure, according to the statement.

Axios reports earlier strikes

"CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping," the command said. US-based news outlet Axios had earlier reported the strikes, citing a US official, stating that the American military was conducting attacks on Iranian positions in the area at the direction of the Commander in Chief.