Key facts
- An Iranian drone attacked the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely near the Omani coast.
- The U.S. military conducted retaliatory strikes against Iranian missile and drone storage facilities and radar sites.
- At least 17 commercial sailors have been killed in and around Iranian and Omani waters since March.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains a dangerous waterway with vessels exhibiting erratic behavior.
- The cargo vessel Namu is undergoing repairs and expected to exit the Strait of Hormuz in mid-July.
The Strait of Hormuz has become an exceptionally dangerous waterway, with at least 17 commercial sailors killed in and around Iranian and Omani waters since March. In the latest incident, an Iranian drone struck the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely as it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz close to the Omani coast. The vessel sustained damage but remained seaworthy, and no injuries were reported.
In response to the attack, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. aircraft had struck missile and drone storage facilities in Iran, as well as coastal radar sites. CENTCOM described the Iranian action as 'unwarranted aggression' against commercial shipping and a violation of a cease-fire, stating that Iran's 'dangerous behavior' undermined freedom of navigation.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating that Iran had attacked 'targets linked to the American aggressor forces.' Bahrain later issued a statement condemning an Iranian drone attack on its territory, calling it a 'blatant threat to the security of its citizens and residents.'
Separately, the South Korean cargo vessel Namu, which was hit in May by what Seoul suggested was an Iranian anti-ship missile, is expected to exit the Strait of Hormuz in mid-July after repairs are completed. The vessel's operator, HMM, is covering the repair costs. South Korea's vice oceans minister noted that two vessels, including Namu, are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, while 21 South Korean-operated vessels have passed safely since a recent ceasefire was signed.