Strait of Hormuz tensions flare after drone strike on Ever Lovely

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned ships that attempt to pass the Strait of Hormuz outside Tehran‑approved routes to bear responsibility for any consequences. Hours after the warning, the Singapore‑flagged container vessel Ever Lovely was struck by an Iranian‑operated drone, the first such attack on a ship since the U.S.–Iran ceasefire agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the incident an “absurd violation” of the truce, and the United States responded with air strikes on Iranian military targets near the strait. Iran’s state media reported that its forces also hit U.S. positions, though the U.S. military could not confirm those attacks. Bahrain said it endured drone strikes in the early hours of Saturday, though the targets were not identified.

The agreement requires Iran to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, which carry about one‑fifth of global oil and LNG supplies. Iran and Oman are expected to cooperate on future administration of the waterway, while Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority has begun issuing electronic “Safe Passage Guarantees.” Three separate shipping routes now operate in the strait – a southern path through Omani waters, a historic central lane, and a northern route under Iranian control – creating confusion for ship operators.