The attack targeted a Singapore-flagged cargo ship that had been hit by a drone the previous day. The US blamed Iran for the attack and responded with targeted airstrikes on facilities of the Revolutionary Guards. The targets were located near the coast of the Strait of Hormuz and on Qeshm Island, a base of the Iranian navy.
The retaliatory strikes remained limited to avoid further escalation. Nevertheless, the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is at stake, which had reopened the strategically important waterway for shipping only a few weeks ago. Both sides had agreed on a de-escalation framework.
The drone attack on the cargo ship and the subsequent US military action show how quickly the situation in the region can turn again. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important trade routes for global oil transport. Even minor disruptions can affect world market prices for crude oil.
Source: www.theguardian.com
