The United States launched a 90-minute strike on Iranian missile and drone facilities on Friday, prompting sharp reactions. Vice President J.D. Vance made his position clear: – The answer to violence will be violence – he said. Meanwhile, a senior US official insisted the ceasefire remains in effect.
The US military targeted four sites near the Strait of Hormuz and on Qeshm Island using six F-35 and F-16 fighter jets. The operation was completed and described as a direct response to an Iranian attack on a Singaporean merchant vessel in the strait on Thursday. The US Central Command attributed the initial attack to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a social media post, Vice President Vance reinforced the US position: – The answer to violence will be violence – he wrote. He added that Iran had signed a ceasefire agreement and that Washington had upheld its end, urging Tehran to pick up the phone if it had concerns about implementation.
US strikes and the ceasefire status
A senior US official told the Wall Street Journal that the ceasefire remains in force despite the renewed attacks. The official emphasized that Friday’s strikes were purely retaliatory for the attack on the transport ship, not a resumption of broader hostilities. President Donald Trump described the Iranian attack on the vessel as a „stupid” violation of the ceasefire deal.
Iran, however, viewed the US strikes as a breach of the 60-day truce, which was brokered to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping in exchange for lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports. The head of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission warned that the „reckless violation of the ceasefire” would lead to the US „withdrawing and regretting it.” He accused Trump of showing no commitment to negotiation principles.
Iran’s warning and the future of the agreement
Iranian state media reported that missiles struck the port of Sirik, home to an IRGC naval base, and hit a telecommunications tower. The IRGC had previously announced that ships must use only Iran-designated routes through the Strait of Hormuz and threatened action against those using alternative paths. Thursday’s attack on the Singaporean ship was the first such incident since the ceasefire took effect.
The situation remains tense as both sides trade accusations. While Washington insists the ceasefire stands, Tehran warns of consequences. The international community watches closely, as any escalation could disrupt global oil shipments through the crucial waterway.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
