Iran Drone Strike Disrupts US-Iran Peace Deal in Hormuz

Maritime tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz on June 25, 2026, when an Iranian drone struck the bridge of the Singapore-flagged cargo ship Ever Lovely near the coast of Oman. Donald Trump reported that Iran launched at least four drones, three of which were intercepted by U.S. forces. The attack occurred just one week after the U.S. and Iran signed a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities, reopen the waterway, and facilitate the evacuation of 11,000 stranded seafarers.

In response to the strike, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) temporarily suspended its evacuation mission to reconfirm safety guarantees. While 115 vessels had already departed, approximately 600 ships and 11,000 mariners remain stranded. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Persian Gulf Strait Authority asserted that only Iranian-designated routes are authorized, warning that vessels using alternative corridors—including those promoted by the UN and Oman—do so at their own risk and lack safe passage guarantees.

Diplomatically, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) allies in Bahrain, where they jointly rejected any imposition of transit fees or tolls in the strait. However, Oman has issued conflicting signals, signing a statement against tolls while simultaneously discussing waterway management costs with Iran. Despite the volatility, some shipping has resumed, including the successful exit of several South Korean-operated vessels. President Trump warned that the U.S. would resume bombing Iran if the agreement to ensure free, toll-free transit is not honored.