US and Iranian forces exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, raising fresh concerns over the stability of a month-old ceasefire and the future of ongoing peace negotiations.
According to Donald Trump, three US Navy destroyers came under attack while transiting the strategic waterway, though he said the vessels completed their passage without damage.
“Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran’s military accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel, as well as conducting strikes near Qeshm Island and coastal areas close to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials said their forces responded by attacking US military vessels near the strait and south of Chabahar. However, US Central Command stated that none of its assets were hit.
Despite the clashes, Trump insisted the ceasefire remained in place and said negotiations with Tehran were continuing.
“We’re negotiating with the Iranians,” Trump told reporters in Washington.
The latest confrontation comes as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a US proposal aimed at formally ending the conflict that began on 28 February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The proposal reportedly leaves unresolved key US demands, including restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles around 20% of global oil and LNG trade.
Oil markets reacted immediately to the renewed fighting, with Brent crude rising above US$100 per barrel in early Asian trading. Analysts said investors still expect the conflict to remain limited in duration despite ongoing hostilities.
The UAE also reportedly came under renewed attack during the latest escalation, although details remained limited. Iran has repeatedly targeted Gulf states hosting US military facilities since the conflict began.
