U.S. Launches Airstrikes in Response to Merchant Ship Attack; Iran Strikes U.S. Bases in Middle East

[Anchor]

The U.S. military has resumed airstrikes against Iran, stating it is a response to Iran's attack on a vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran has struck U.S. military bases in the Middle East, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

Reporter Yu Deok-gi has the story.

[Reporter]

U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, announced that U.S. aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar sites.

The command stated that it took strong action because Iran's attack on a merchant ship was a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermined the freedom of navigation.

Earlier, on June 25 local time, Iran launched a drone attack on a Singaporean merchant ship attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump had pointed out that it was a "clearly foolish violation of the ceasefire agreement" and hinted at a possible response, and shortly thereafter, the U.S. disclosed the airstrikes against Iran.

[Donald Trump / President of the United States: Iran should not do that (attack merchant ships). (Will you respond? What is your message to Iran?) You will find out soon.]

This marks the first time the U.S. military has launched airstrikes against Iran since the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two sides took effect nine days ago.

Iran immediately retaliated with military strikes.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran stated in a press release that it had struck U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

They confirmed the U.S. attack, stating that the U.S. had targeted the Sirik region near the Strait of Hormuz under the pretext that Iran had attacked a vessel passing through an unauthorized route.

Furthermore, they accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire agreement.

They also asserted that, according to the memorandum of understanding, the authority to control the Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran, and warned that the violation of the ceasefire would lead the U.S. to regret its actions.

The expectation that both sides would exercise restraint and approach the situation cautiously while the ceasefire memorandum is in effect has been shattered.

The U.S.-Iran ceasefire memorandum of understanding stipulates the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts.

With working-level negotiations on the ceasefire memorandum between the U.S. and Iran scheduled for next week, the peace talks now face a critical test.

(Video Editing: Kim Byeong-jik)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.