The United States carried out strikes on Iranian military targets after an attack on three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, but President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire between the two countries remains intact [1][3]. Trump described the strikes as 'just a love tap' and threatened to 'knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!' [4][6].
Strikes and Retaliation
Iran accused the US of striking first and violating the ceasefire by attacking an oil tanker and another ship on Thursday [2]. In response, Iranian forces 'immediately and in retaliation attacked American military vessels' [8]. Explosions shook Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media [10]. Iranian state media blamed the explosions on the US and 'enemy units', with Tasnim news agency suggesting UAE involvement [11].
Trump's Response
Trump wrote on Truth Social that 'there was no damage done' to the US warships but 'great damage done to the Iranian attackers' [5]. He insisted the ceasefire remains intact, framing the US action as a limited response [3].
A One-Page Deal on the Table
The US proposed a one-page deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting for 30 days while working on a longer term truce [7]. The proposal comes as tensions escalate in the strategic waterway, through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes.
Iran's Warning
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, wrote on X: 'Making the same mistake again and again won’t get you a different answer; only a stronger one. Respect the new maritime regime of Iran.' [9]
What to Watch Next
The coming days will test whether the US-Iran ceasefire can survive further exchanges, and whether Tehran accepts the proposed 30-day pause or escalates its military posture in the Strait.