United States President Donald Trump has said the ceasefire between the US and Iran remains in effect despite renewed military exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations accusing each other of initiating the confrontation.
The US military claimed Iran launched missiles, drones, and small boats at three American warships in what it described as an “unprovoked attack.” Reacting to the incident, Trump said Iran had “trifled with us today.”
On the other hand, Iran’s top military command accused the US of targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, while also carrying out “aerial attacks” on several coastal communities.
The latest tensions emerged barely a day after Iran’s foreign ministry disclosed that it was considering a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates confirmed on Friday that its air defence systems intercepted a missile and drone attack launched from Iran.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said two ballistic missiles and three UAVs were intercepted, adding that the incident resulted in three “moderate injuries.”
Iranian state media earlier reported “explosions” in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the development as an “exchange of fire” involving the “enemy.” Local reports also indicated that explosions were heard in Tehran.
In a statement, Iran’s top military command alleged that US “aerial attacks” targeted the coastal areas of Bandar Khamir, Sirik and Qeshm Island.
The statement added that Iranian forces responded by attacking US military vessels and claimed to have inflicted “significant damage,” accusing Washington of committing “a violation of the ceasefire.”
However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) insisted that the Iranian strikes were “unprovoked,” saying Iranian forces launched “multiple missiles, drones and small boats” at US Navy guided-missile destroyers transiting through the strait.
CENTCOM stated that American forces successfully neutralised incoming threats and carried out strikes on Iranian military facilities allegedly linked to the attack.
“Centcom does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces,” the statement read.
Reacting on Truth Social, Trump claimed the US destroyed several Iranian boats, missiles and drones, adding that “great damage” had been inflicted on the attackers.
The US president also warned Iran against delaying a peace agreement.
“Just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!” Trump wrote.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the US response in a statement posted on X.
“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure.”
He added, “Whatever the causes, the outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim.”
An Israeli source also told the BBC that there was “no Israeli involvement” in the latest escalation.
The renewed tensions come despite recent comments by Trump suggesting the conflict in Iran could soon end.
According to reports by Axios, the White House is believed to be close to securing a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran, which could pave the way for broader nuclear negotiations.
Iran’s foreign ministry had earlier confirmed that the proposal was under review and said Tehran would communicate its position through Pakistani mediators.
Pakistan’s foreign minister said efforts were ongoing to turn the current ceasefire into a permanent resolution to the conflict.
However, Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei dismissed the proposed memorandum as a “wish list.”
Rezaei warned that Iran “has its finger on the trigger” and threatened a “harsh and regret-inducing response” if the US failed to “surrender and grant necessary conditions.”
Both Washington and Tehran have continued to issue warnings of further escalation if negotiations collapse.
In an earlier Truth Social post on May 6, Trump warned that if Iran failed to agree to a deal, “the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”
Trump had also previously stated that Operation Epic Fury, the initial US-Israeli offensive in Iran would end once Iran accepted agreed conditions. Before then, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the operation had achieved its objectives.
Trump further claimed that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons “among other things,” although Tehran has not officially confirmed the assertion.
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