Trump justifies strikes on Iran amid ceasefire

The United States conducted airstrikes against Iran on March 15, 2024, in response to an alleged Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump stated that the strikes were "proportionate" and aimed to deter further aggression from Iran. The US Navy reported that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles at the "Stena Impero" tanker on March 14, 2024, causing minor damage but no injuries. This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, which have been strained since the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. The White House issued a statement on March 15, 2024, asserting that the "unprovoked attack" by Iran would not be tolerated and that the US "will defend its interests and its allies." The strikes targeted IRGC naval facilities and missile launch sites in southern Iran. US officials indicated that the operation was designed to degrade Iran's ability to conduct similar attacks in the future. The Pentagon confirmed that the strikes were authorized by President Trump and executed by US Central Command (CENTCOM).