Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated again after naval forces exchanged fire near the Strait of Hormuz and the United Arab Emirates reported renewed missile and drone threats.
Washington
The latest escalation unfolded as Washington awaited Tehran’s response to a proposed framework aimed at ending the war that began on February 28. The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran, triggering weeks of military exchanges across the Gulf region.
President Donald Trump stated that three U.S. Navy destroyers came under attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. The narrow passage handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any instability in the area a major concern for international markets and energy security.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the American warships completed their transit successfully despite the attack. He said no damage was sustained by the destroyers, while Iranian forces allegedly suffered heavy losses during the encounter.
Later, speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump sought to minimize the severity of the clash and maintained that the ceasefire agreement remained in place. He described the incident as a failed provocation by Iran and insisted that U.S. forces responded decisively.
Iran, however, accused the United States of violating the ceasefire first. Iran’s top joint military command alleged that American forces targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel while also carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas near Qeshm Island and coastal regions close to the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian military officials, Iranian naval units retaliated by launching attacks on U.S. military vessels east of the strait and near the port city of Chabahar. A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters claimed the strikes caused significant damage to American forces, though U.S. Central Command denied that any ships or military assets were hit.
Iranian state media later suggested the situation had calmed. Press TV reported that after several hours of military exchanges, normal conditions had returned to Iranian islands and coastal cities around the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict also spread beyond the waterway. The United Arab Emirates confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted missile and drone threats believed to have originated from Iran early Friday morning. Authorities did not release detailed information regarding the scale or damage of the attacks.
Since the outbreak of war, Iran has repeatedly targeted Gulf nations hosting American military bases, raising fears that the broader Middle East could face a prolonged period of instability and conflict.
