The United States and Iran exchanged fire on Thursday in the biggest test yet of their month-long ceasefire, raising fresh concerns about stability in the Strait of Hormuz. However, both countries later signaled that they do not want the situation to escalate further.
According to Iran’s military, US forces targeted two ships entering the Strait of Hormuz and also carried out airstrikes on Iranian territory. Iran claimed the attacks hit civilian areas on Qeshm Island and nearby coastal regions including Bandar Khamir and Sirik.
In response, Iran said its forces attacked US military vessels located east of the Strait of Hormuz and south of the port of Chabahar. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that the strikes caused “significant damage” to US forces.
However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied any damage to its assets and said none of its military vessels were hit. The US military confirmed that Iran launched missiles, drones, and small boats targeting three US Navy destroyers.
CENTCOM said American forces responded by striking Iranian missile and drone sites as well as other military locations. The command added that the US does not seek further escalation but remains prepared to protect its forces in the region.
US President Donald Trump also downplayed the clashes and insisted that the ceasefire was still active.
“They trifled with us today. We blew them away,” Trump told reporters while visiting the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
Iran later stated that the situation had returned to normal after several hours of fighting. Iranian state media reported calm conditions on islands and coastal cities near the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest exchange comes as Washington waits for Tehran’s response to a US proposal aimed at formally ending the conflict. The proposed agreement reportedly leaves major issues unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply, making it one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
Trump said negotiations with Iran are still ongoing and claimed Tehran had accepted that it would never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
“There’s zero chance. And they know that, and they’ve agreed to that,” Trump said while speaking about the proposed deal.
Despite the renewed tensions, both sides indicated they are still open to diplomatic talks, though uncertainty remains over whether a final agreement can be reached.
