Minelaying capability was an explicit target, which is the clearest signal Washington expected Iran to try to close the strait physically rather than by decree.
CENTCOM said U.S. aircraft hit Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defence sites, drone storage and minelaying capabilities in response to the Kiku attack. The Joint Maritime Information Center raised its Strait of Hormuz threat level to substantial from moderate.
Why this matters. Minelaying capability was an explicit target, which is the clearest signal Washington expected Iran to try to close the strait physically rather than by decree.
The Panama-flagged VLCC Kiku was struck by a one-way attack drone at about 08:00 GMT while carrying QatarEnergy crude. UKMTO said the bridge was damaged and all crew were safe, with no leakage. AIS draught readings indicated the 300,866 dwt tanker was laden with two million barrels. CENTCOM said Iran launched the drone after being given a chance to honour the ceasefire.
Why this matters. A hit on the bridge is a hit on the crew's working space, and striking a fully laden VLCC carrying two million barrels is the scenario underwriters price the whole waterway against.
AP reported Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Israel and Lebanon for a Washington framework agreement that starts a process for dismantling Hezbollah and restoring Lebanese control of territory held by Israel. Hezbollah was outside the deal and warned it would resist disarmament.
Why this matters. This is the Lebanon implementation hinge inside the wider Iran deal: U.S.-Iran language about all fronts now depends on a Lebanese army handover plan that Hezbollah rejects and Israel says must precede withdrawal.
U.S. Central Command conducted retaliatory strikes on Iranian military targets including Qeshm Island, hitting missile and drone infrastructure and coastal radar sites.
Why this matters. It set the tit-for-tat pattern that governed the rest of the 60-day window: an attack on shipping, a contained American strike, then a pause holding only until the next vessel was hit.
The Singapore-flagged container ship Ever Lovely was struck by an Iranian drone while transiting the southern corridor, a route Iran does not recognise. The IMO had just launched a plan to evacuate 11,000 crew stranded aboard vessels in the Arabian Gulf; the operation was suspended after the attack. President Trump said Iran launched four drones and three were shot down.
Why this matters. The first violation of the memorandum, eight days after signing, and it stranded thousands of seafarers who were about to be taken off their ships.