WASHINGTON-(MaraviPost)-The United States and Iran traded missile fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in tensions and threatening the fragile ceasefire between the two nations.
The attacks came despite ongoing discussions between Iranian officials and the US about a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and implement a 30-day ceasefire, highlighting the volatility of the situation.
Iran’s top joint military command accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another ship, while the US military claimed it acted in self-defense after Iran launched “unprovoked” attacks on US Navy destroyers passing through the strait.
US President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire remains in effect, describing the exchange as “just a love tap,” and urged Iran to accept a negotiated end to the war, warning of more forceful responses if they don’t sign a deal.
The renewed hostilities broke out as Washington awaited Iran’s response to a US proposal that would stop the fighting but leave contentious issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program, unresolved for now.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Tehran had not yet reached a conclusion on the emerging plan, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire’s future.
The US has imposed sanctions on Iraq’s deputy oil minister and three militia leaders over their support for Iran, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
The conflict has pushed oil prices higher, with US crude futures rising as much as 3% after the renewed hostilities, and has disrupted energy flows across the Gulf, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded.
