**Trump Blames Iran for Drone Strike on Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz**
**Date: June 26, 2026**
In a recent statement, United States President Donald Trump condemned Iran for what he termed a “foolish violation” of a ceasefire agreement following a drone strike on a cargo vessel in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred on Thursday, with the British military confirming that a projectile had struck a vessel off the coast of Oman.
While Trump did not specify the name of the ship in his post on Truth Social, it has been identified as the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely, owned by Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine. The vessel had been stranded in the Gulf for over 100 days after loading cargo in Iraq. Fortunately, no crew members were reported injured, and the ship was able to continue its voyage despite sustaining some damage.
In his post, Trump noted, “One of the drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive cargo-carrying ship. Damage was done, but the ship was able to proceed on its way.” He emphasized the seriousness of the situation by stating, “Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement.”
Although Iran has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that the drone strike was indeed launched from Iran. This incident comes at a particularly delicate moment, as the U.S. and Iran are engaged in negotiations for an interim peace deal. Both nations recently signed a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at lifting naval blockades and ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz while discussions continue regarding Iran’s nuclear program and potential sanctions relief.
The Ever Lovely had opted for a southern route along the Omani coast rather than following the corridors designated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Just hours before the attack, the IRGC had issued a directive requiring all commercial vessels to coordinate directly with the Iranian Navy, raising concerns about the potential for further escalations in the region.
The drone strike has significantly impacted international maritime operations, halting efforts by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to escort hundreds of stranded vessels from the Gulf, where over 11,000 seafarers have been trapped for months.
In response to the incident, Iran expressed its displeasure with what it characterized as an “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative” statement from the U.S. and six Gulf states. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi defended Tehran's position, stating that “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements” that do not consider Iran’s role as a coastal state.
The IRGC has also refuted U.S. claims regarding a direct communication line between Tehran and Washington concerning the Strait of Hormuz. IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi described such assertions as “a complete lie” and reaffirmed Iran’s sovereignty over the strait, stating, “The Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and has no connection to the United States.”
Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna reported from Washington that Trump’s response came several hours after the drone strike, which is unusual for the president, who typically reacts more swiftly to current events. Hanna noted that the tone of Trump’s message was somewhat subdued compared to his usual responses, yet it still served as a strong warning about the implications of violating the ceasefire agreement.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the international community remains watchful of developments in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments and trade. The ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran will be critical in determining the future stability of this key maritime route.