Washington, May 8, 2026 — US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in effect despite a fresh military confrontation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz late Thursday night.
The exchange of fire erupted after both countries accused each other of initiating attacks in the region. Iranian military officials claimed that US forces targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel approaching the strait while also conducting aerial strikes on several coastal locations.
According to Iran’s top military command, the attacks hit the coastal areas of Bandar Khamir, Sirik, and Qeshm Island. Tehran said its forces immediately retaliated by striking US military vessels operating in the area, alleging that Washington had violated the existing ceasefire arrangement.
The US military, however, described Iran’s actions as “unprovoked.” US Central Command said Iranian forces launched missiles, drones, and small boats against US Navy guided-missile destroyers transiting through the strait. The Pentagon stated that American forces carried out “self-defence strikes” against Iranian missile and drone launch facilities, command centers, and surveillance sites.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed that US forces had destroyed several Iranian attack boats and warned Tehran against delaying a broader peace agreement.
“Just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder in the future if they don’t get their deal signed fast,” Trump wrote.
An Israeli source told the BBC that Israel had no involvement in the latest confrontation.
The flare-up came only a day after Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed it was reviewing a US-backed proposal aimed at ending the conflict and reopening formal nuclear negotiations.
Reports suggest Washington is attempting to secure a 14-point memorandum of understanding that could form the basis for a long-term agreement between the two countries.
Earlier this week, Iranian officials said the proposal was being examined with the assistance of Pakistani mediators. However, some lawmakers in Tehran dismissed the framework as unrealistic and overly favorable to Washington.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts, both sides have continued issuing threats. Trump warned earlier that if Iran failed to accept a deal, the bombing campaign would resume at a “much higher level and intensity.” Iranian officials responded by declaring that Tehran remained prepared for a strong military response if pressured further.
The renewed clashes in the Strait of Hormuz have also raised concerns about global energy security, as the waterway remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Analysts fear any prolonged instability in the region could disrupt international oil supplies and further increase fuel prices worldwide.
