US President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran is still in effect, despite an Iranian attack on three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident on Thursday fueled concerns that the truce, which began on April 8, might be unraveling.
US Retaliatory Strikes
The US military reported carrying out strikes on Iranian military targets in response to the attack. However, Tehran accused Washington of initiating the exchange of fire. The latest violence threatens to destabilize a fragile ceasefire that ended weeks of US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which retaliated with strikes across the Middle East and by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and gas shipments.
UAE Involvement
The United Arab Emirates confirmed on Friday that its air defenses were engaging missile and drone attacks originating from Iran.
Asked in Washington whether the Iran ceasefire was still in place, Trump replied, "Yeah, it is. They trifled with us today. We blew them away. They trifled. I call that a trifle."
US Central Command Statement
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X that Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones, and small boats at the three US warships, but none were hit. CENTCOM added that it eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible. "CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces," the statement said.
Iran's Accusations
Iran's central military command accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by attacking an oil tanker and another ship. Tehran claimed its forces immediately retaliated by targeting American military vessels.
Trump earlier this week fueled hopes of a deal, suggesting an agreement could be near, while also threatening to resume bombing if Tehran did not back down. After Thursday's clash, he posted on Truth Social, "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!"
Iran's Diplomatic Response
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran would communicate its position to mediator Pakistan after finalizing its views. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had struck an optimistic tone before the exchange of fire, stating, "I firmly believe that this ceasefire will turn into a long-term ceasefire."
Public Skepticism in Iran
Inside Iran, civilians expressed cynicism. Shervin, a 42-year-old photographer, told AFP reporters in Paris via messaging from Tehran, "Neither side in these negotiations is really capable of reaching an agreement. This is another one of Trump's games; otherwise, why are so many warships and military forces being sent toward Iran?"
Lebanon Talks
Any agreement between the US and Iran could also help lower tensions in Lebanon, where a separate truce is under renewed strain after an Israeli strike on southern Beirut killed a Hezbollah commander on Wednesday. A US State Department official confirmed that new Israel-Lebanon talks would take place on May 14 and 15, marking the third meeting in recent months between the two countries, which have no diplomatic relations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that a peace deal between the two sides was "eminently achievable," insisting Hezbollah was the sticking point. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Stranded Ships and Crew
A ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, including Hezbollah, was extended after the last round of talks in Washington, but Israel has continued strikes on the group. Lebanon's health ministry reported at least 12 people killed in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday.
Since the start of the war with US-Israeli attacks on February 28, Iran largely shuttered the Strait of Hormuz. Around 1,500 ships and 20,000 international crew are now trapped in the Gulf region, according to Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the UN's International Maritime Organization.
Trump had briefly launched a naval operation to force open the strait to commercial vessels but stood it down within hours, citing progress on negotiations with Iran. The US president, who has criticized Europe for not supporting his war against Iran, said Thursday he had a "great call" with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, stating they were "completely united that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."
