After Tanker Strike in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Hits Targets in Iran

The government of Bahrain announced this evening (*Motzaei Shabbat*) that Iran attacked its territory. A statement from Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said: "This is a blatant violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty, and a threat to the security of its citizens and residents. Bahrain reserves the full right to defend its sovereignty. The Iranian regime’s attacks, at a time when regional and international efforts are underway to reduce escalation, place sole responsibility on Tehran for undermining peace efforts. Peace cannot be built through intimidation."

According to reports in the Arab media, the attack targeted American assets in Bahrain, in response to a U.S. strike last night on targets in Iran. U.S. Central Command confirmed today in a post on X that it had carried out strikes in Iran in response to a drone strike yesterday on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

The post said that "American aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar sites. The unprovoked aggression by Iranian forces against commercial shipping constituted a clear violation of the ceasefire. Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous conduct harmed freedom of navigation, at a time when commerce is increasingly flowing through this vital international trade corridor."

The Iranians attacked a tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it did not have authorization, and caused damage to it. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance addressed the American strike against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz area and wrote on X that "Violence will be answered with violence." He jabbed at the Iranians: "If they have concerns about how the memorandum of understanding is being implemented, they can pick up the phone."

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded to the American strike in the Hormuz area, saying: "We announce a counterattack following the attack by U.S. forces on Sirik Island. We will respond to the American attack at a time and place of our choosing. This is a violation of the memorandum of understanding to end the war. Iran will defend the country’s sovereignty, security, and national interests with all its might. Iran’s defensive strikes against targets linked to the attacking American forces were carried out on this basis. All countries located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf must adhere to the principle of good neighborliness."