U.S. officials said American forces carried out strikes on Iranian targets after a drone hit the Singapore-flagged cargo ship Ever Lovely near the Strait of Hormuz, adding new pressure to an already fragile security situation.

Iran denied responsibility for the ship attack and said it has the right to control shipping through the strategic waterway. In a statement carried by state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted U.S. positions in response and warned of broader retaliation if Iran is struck again.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with oil and liquefied natural gas shipments moving through the narrow channel daily. Any disruption there can quickly raise concerns for global trade and energy markets.

The latest strikes put a newly signed interim peace framework back under strain as technical negotiations continue. For now, the situation remains tense, with regional governments watching closely and shipping operators weighing the risks.