A US official told CNN that the military strikes carried out by the United States against Iran on Friday “do not indicate a return to large scale combat operations, at least for the time being.”
The statement came after the US military announced it had launched strikes against Iran in response to Thursday’s attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said:
“Our forces conducted strikes against Iran in a strong response to Thursday’s attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”
CENTCOM added that the “unprovoked aggression by Iranian forces against commercial maritime traffic constituted a clear violation of the ceasefire. Iran’s dangerous conduct also undermined freedom of navigation at a time when commercial activity through this vital international waterway continues to increase.”
The command said the US strikes targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar installations.
It further stressed that:
“US Central Command forces continue to provide support and coordination to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels transiting the strait. The US military remains present and vigilant to ensure compliance with all provisions of the agreement with Iran and to guarantee that it remains fully in effect.”
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance, who played a key role in negotiating the agreement with Iran announced last week, declared that “violence will be met with violence.”
Writing on X on Friday, alongside CENTCOM’s statement, Vance said:
“Iran signed a ceasefire agreement, and we honoured it. If they have concerns about how the memorandum of understanding is being implemented, they can call us. But violence will be met with violence.”
The US strikes came just hours after President Donald Trump described the drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz as a “foolish violation” of the agreement that ended the war with Iran. However, he stopped short of saying whether the incident would lead to a broader resumption of hostilities.
When asked in the Oval Office whether Iran would face any consequences, Trump responded briefly to reporters:
“You’ll find out.”
