Iran targets Navy ships, U.S. responds; ceasefire in question

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(The Center Square) – Exactly one month after the U.S. declared a ceasefire with Iran, the U.S. struck Iranian military sites Thursday in retaliation for “unprovoked” attacks on a U.S. Navy ship, according to U.S. Central Command.

Despite the strikes, U.S. officials claim the ceasefire remains intact. CENTCOM argues the strikes were self-defense in nature after Iran launched “multiple missiles, drones and small boats” on Navy destroyers USS Truxton, USS Rafael Peralta and USS Mason as they “transited international sea passage.”

CENTCOM says no “U.S. assets were struck” in the attacks.

“U.S. Central Command eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces including missile and drone launch sites, command and control locations; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes,” according to a statement from CENTCOM.

In response, Iranian military officials dispute claims from the U.S. that the ceasefire remains in place, arguing that the U.S. violated the ceasefire when it targeted an Iranian oil tanker.

CENTCOM concluded its statement saying it “does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.”

In addition to Iranian military sites struck, multiple reports indicate strikes were carried out on the Islamic Republic’s Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and important oil and port areas in the southern region of the country.

While the ceasefire has been ongoing, tensions have been rising as the U.S. and Iran battle over the Strait of Hormuz, as commercial ships remain choked off by the closure of the vital waterway. Iran has been accused of using mines and fast attack boats to wreak havoc on the strait.

President Donald Trump launched “Project Freedom” Monday to safely escort commercial ships through the strait using U.S. military support. However, just 24 hours into the operation, the president put it on hold, citing talks with the Islamic Republic.