A US official told CNN that the strikes carried out by the American military against Iran on Friday “do not represent a return to large-scale combat operations, at least for now”.
The statement came after the US military announced that it had struck targets in Iran in response to Thursday’s attack on a commercial vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command Announces Retaliatory Strikes
In a statement published on X, the US Central Command, CENTCOM, said: “Our forces carried out strikes on Iran in a strong response to Thursday’s attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”
It added: “This unprovoked aggression by Iranian forces against commercial shipping constituted a clear violation of the ceasefire. Iran’s dangerous conduct also undermined freedom of navigation at a time when commercial traffic through this vital international waterway is increasing.”
CENTCOM said US aircraft targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar sites.
The command also stated: “US Central Command forces continue to provide support and coordination to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels transiting the strait. The US military also remains present and vigilant to ensure compliance with all provisions of the agreement with Iran and to guarantee that it remains fully in force.”
Vance Warns That “Violence Will Be Met With Violence”
US Vice President JD Vance, who played a central role in negotiating the agreement with Iran announced last week, warned that “violence will be met with violence”.
In a post on X on Friday, accompanied by CENTCOM’s statement, Vance wrote: “Iran signed a ceasefire agreement, and we upheld it. If they have disagreements over how the memorandum of understanding is being implemented, they can call us. But violence will be met with violence.”
Trump Calls the Attack a “Foolish Violation”
The US strikes came hours after President Donald Trump described the drone attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz as a “foolish violation” of the agreement that ended the war with Iran.
Trump did not clarify whether the development would lead to the resumption of broader hostilities.
When asked in the Oval Office whether Iran would face consequences, Trump told reporters only: “You will find out.”
