Donald Trump said a ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in effect despite a sharp military confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.
The US military said Iranian forces launched missiles, drones and small attack boats against three American naval destroyers transiting through the strait, describing the incident as an “unprovoked attack.” Trump later wrote on social media that Iran had “trifled with us today,” warning Tehran against further escalation.
US Central Command said American forces intercepted incoming threats and carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian military infrastructure allegedly involved in the attack, including missile and drone launch sites, command centers and surveillance facilities.
“Centcom does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces,” the command said in a statement.
Iran, however, presented a different version of events. Tehran’s top military command accused the US of attacking an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz, as well as conducting aerial strikes on coastal areas including Bandar Khamir, Sirik and Qeshm Island.
Iranian authorities said they responded immediately by targeting US naval vessels and claimed to have inflicted “significant damage.” Tehran described the American actions as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Iranian state media initially reported explosions in the Strait of Hormuz and described the confrontation as an “exchange of fire” with the “enemy.” Local media also reported explosions in Tehran.
The flare-up comes only a day after Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it was considering a US-backed proposal aimed at ending the conflict and opening the door to broader negotiations.
Tensions appeared to rise further early Friday, when the United Arab Emirates said its air defenses were actively intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran.
Despite the confrontation, Trump insisted the ceasefire remained intact and repeated warnings that the US would respond forcefully if Tehran failed to reach a broader agreement with Washington.
“Just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their deal signed, fast,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
An Israeli source told the BBC there was “no Israeli involvement” in the latest exchange.
The incident comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional war. US media outlet Axios previously reported that Washington believes it is nearing a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran that could form the basis for future nuclear negotiations.
Iran has confirmed that it is reviewing the latest American proposal through Pakistani mediators, though some Iranian officials have dismissed the framework as unrealistic. Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei warned that Tehran “has its finger on the trigger” and threatened a “harsh and regret-inducing response” if US demands are not met.
The dispute over Iran’s nuclear program remains one of the central obstacles in negotiations. Trump has repeatedly claimed Tehran has agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons, though Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed such commitments.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, with roughly a fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway. Any escalation in the area raises concerns about regional stability and global energy markets.
Source: The BBC
Header image: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images
