NEW: Iran is using force in an attempt to maintain its control over the Strait of Hormuz in the immediate future. Iran is likely attempting to prevent vessels from using non-Iranian shipping channels with force in the immediate term as it continues negotiations with the Gulf Arab states to secure long-term recognition of its control.
Other Key Takeaways:
US Central Command (CENTCOM) struck an unspecified number of Iranian missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar sites on June 26 in response to Iran’s drone attack on the M/V Ever Lovely.
Iran is also using diplomacy and threats to secure long-term diplomatic recognition of its control of the Strait of Hormuz because continued Iranian strikes in the Strait of Hormuz would be difficult to maintain.
Iranian officials and state media are reacting to their faltering diplomatic efforts with a significantly more hostile tone towards the Gulf states.
Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered “framework agreement” on June 26 that describes a path towards eventual full Israeli withdrawal. The agreement stipulates that the Lebanese Armed Forces will backfill the Israel Defense Forces at two positions in southern Lebanon.