On June 25, 2026, Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, as confirmed by a U.S. official. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly used a drone to strike the vessel, which sustained damage to its bridge but did not result in any casualties, according to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations. The White House has not commented on the incident.
This attack comes shortly after President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran, establishing a 60-day ceasefire while negotiations for a nuclear deal are ongoing. Recent tensions, including conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, and Iranian threats to disrupt commerce in the strait, have complicated these negotiations. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the U.S. negotiating team, met with Iranian officials in Switzerland over the weekend. Vance claimed that Iran would permit United Nations nuclear inspectors to conduct inspections, although Iran later denied any such agreement.
Trump addressed the negotiations, asserting that Iran does not possess economic leverage over the U.S. and highlighting the strength of the U.S. economy. He stated that the current economic conditions are the best in history, with record employment and investment.