Donald Trump has insisted that the fragile ceasefire with Iran was still holding after three US destroyers came under attack from missiles, drones and small boats in the Strait of Hormuz. Though none of the vessels were hit, Washington launched retaliatory strikes on what it described as Iranian military sites, including launch positions and command centres.
Trump's Warning to Iran
Trump called Iranian leadership “lunatic”, warning Tehran that Washington will “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 Account of the Incident
Iran, however, said the clashes were an “exchange of fire” after the US allegedly targeted vessels near the strait and claimed its forces had inflicted “significant damage” on American ships. Iran’s top military command alleged the US had targeted an Iranian oil tanker heading toward the strait as well as another vessel entering the waterway opposite the Emirati port of Fujairah.
Context of the Attacks
Thursday’s attacks happened as Iran was reviewing a US plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities, according to multiple reports. The confrontation marks one of the most serious since the fragile ceasefire began.
US military says missiles, drones and small boats targeted warships during their transit through the strait, though all attacks were intercepted and none of the destroyers were hit. Washington later carried out retaliatory strikes on what it described as Iranian military facilities responsible for the assault, including launch sites and command centres.
