The United States and Iran have exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears that the already fragile ceasefire between the warring nations could collapse. The flare-up on Thursday came as Washington awaits Tehran's response to its latest proposals for an agreement to end the conflict.
US President Donald Trump said three US Navy destroyers were attacked as they moved through the strait, a conduit for a fifth of the world's oil and LNG supplies. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the destroyers suffered no damage but inflicted "great damage" on Iranian attackers. He later told reporters the ceasefire was still in effect.
Iran's top military command accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another ship, as well as carrying out air attacks on civilian areas on Qeshm Island and coastal areas. Iran said it responded by striking US military vessels east of the strait. A spokesperson claimed Iranian strikes inflicted "significant damage," contrasting with the US Central Command's claim that none of its assets were hit.
Iran's Press TV reported that after several hours of fire, the situation returned to normal. It remains unclear which side started the clashes. The UAE Ministry of Defence said it was intercepting incoming missiles and drones from Iran, which has frequently targeted US assets in Gulf countries since the war began.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in place since April 8. Thursday's clashes appeared to mark the sharpest escalation since the truce. Former US diplomat Donald Jensen characterized it as a "controlled escalation," arguing both nations are trying to show resolve while seeking a framework on key issues.
Jensen told Al Jazeera that a resolution is likely but will be limited to passage through the strait, with broader goals like Iran's nuclear program put aside. Reporting from Washington, Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett said US Central Command insists the action was self-defense.
Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute said Iran may perceive the US attacks as an effort to create a unilateral ceasefire. He noted both sides likely have an interest in preventing the situation from spiraling out of control. Iran said it is still reviewing the latest US peace proposal, and diplomatic efforts appear to continue.
Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said the US is trying to loosen Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz while Iran remains determined to push back. Both sides would need to make painful concessions or leave disagreements vague to finalize a framework understanding.
Source: www.aljazeera.com