The United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks in the Gulf region, raising concerns over the future of the ongoing Ceasefire between the two countries. The latest clashes also renewed fears about growing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes.
According to US President Donald Trump, three American Navy destroyers came under attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the vessels were targeted by Iranian forces but suffered no damage during the incident.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump claimed the US military responded strongly to the attack. He later told reporters that the Ceasefire was still active despite the exchange of fire.
“They trifled with us today. We blew them away,” Trump said while speaking in Washington.
Iran, however, accused the United States of violating the Ceasefire first. Iranian military officials claimed US forces targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also accused Washington of launching airstrikes on civilian areas around Qeshm Island and nearby coastal regions.
Iran’s military stated that it responded by attacking American naval assets near the Strait and south of Chabahar port. Iranian state media later reported that conditions in the affected coastal cities had returned to normal after several hours of fighting.
US Central Command rejected Iranian claims that American military assets were damaged during the operation.
The conflict originally began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli airstrikes inside Iran. Since then, tensions have remained high despite the temporary truce announced on April 7. Both sides have exchanged occasional fire during the past month.
The UAE was also reportedly targeted again during the latest escalation. Iran has repeatedly launched attacks on Gulf countries hosting US military bases since the conflict began.
The renewed violence affected global markets as oil prices rose sharply in Asia on Friday. Brent crude crossed $100 per barrel after the latest clashes. Investors remain worried that continued fighting could disrupt global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the tension, diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran are still ongoing. Trump said negotiations with Iran continue and suggested a possible agreement could be reached soon.
However, Tehran has not yet approved the latest US proposal aimed at formally ending the war. The proposal reportedly does not fully address American demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
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Trump also repeated that Iran would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. He claimed Iranian officials understood and accepted that condition, though no final agreement has been announced so far.
