Exchange of Fire Between US and Iranian Forces, But Trump Affirms Ceasefire Remains Intact

President Donald Trump stated that despite an exchange of gunfire between American and Iranian forces on Thursday night, the ceasefire remains intact. It is unclear which side fired first. A senior Iranian military commander accused the US of targeting an Iranian oil tanker and carrying out an “airstrike” near the coast as another vessel attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The US responded that its actions were in “self-defense” following an attack on a US Navy guided missile destroyer by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that Iranian attackers suffered “significant damage” and that many small boats were destroyed. “These boats quickly and efficiently reached the sea surface. Missiles were fired at our destroyers but were easily intercepted. Drones also approached but were destroyed in midair,” Trump detailed.

Trump also reaffirmed that the US blockade against Iran remains in place. Previously, he mentioned “huge progress” in negotiations with Iran and noted that the US had paused ship departures through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Iran, earlier on Wednesday, stated that it was studying a new US peace proposal. This new proposal involves Iran suspending its nuclear enrichment program, sanction relief, and the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump asserted that the US would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. He added, “Iran has agreed to this. Now it remains to be seen if they are willing to sign the agreement.” He warned, “Talks are progressing well, but if no deal is signed, they need to understand there will be severe consequences.” Earlier on Wednesday, Trump expressed hope for a potential agreement while issuing a new warning regarding violence.

Trump wrote, “If Iran does not agree to a deal, bombing will commence and it will be on a much higher and more terrifying level than before.”
Iranian Response: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran responded to the incident by accusing the US of violating the ceasefire. The IRGC stated in a press release that the US military targeted an Iranian oil tanker near the port of Jask. “The Iranian Navy responded from the sea with intensive explosive warfare and inflicted significant damage on the US enemies as revealed by intelligence surveillance. Three hostile US intrusion vessels immediately fled the Strait of Hormuz,” the IRGC posted on the social media platform X.