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 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, 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.
Thursday’s attacks happened as Iran was reviewing a US plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities, according to multiple reports.
Watch: Trump says ceasefire still on after Iran ‘trifled with us’
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- US president Donald Trump brands Iran’s leadership “lunatics” after three US destroyers come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz in one of the most serious confrontations 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 carry out retaliatory strikes on what it described as Iranian military facilities responsible for the assault, including launch sites and command centres
- Iran, however, described the incident as an “exchange of fire” between Iranian armed forces and the “enemy” even as Trump said the ceasefire was holding
Shweta Sharma8 May 2026 04:19