The United States on Thursday carried out strikes on Iranian military targets after Tehran’s forces attacked three American destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said.
According to US Central Command, American forces responded in self-defence after intercepting what it described as “unprovoked Iranian attacks” as Navy guided-missile destroyers moved towards the Gulf of Oman on May 7.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Defence Ministry said Iran fired two ballistic missiles and three drones towards the country since midnight.
Three people were moderately injured in the attack, while air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming threats, according to officials.
Iran’s central military command, however, accused Washington of violating an existing ceasefire, signalling a sharp escalation in tensions in the region.
Also read: Trump holds constructive talks with Iran, says deal possible
US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against further escalation and urged it to quickly sign a deal. Writing on Truth Social, he said, “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!”
On the other hand, Trump described the strikes as a “love tap” and maintained that the ceasefire with Iran remained in place.
Meanwhile, Iran has introduced new rules for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. Ships will now be required to obtain transit permits under a protocol issued by the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), or risk being targeted.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil-shipping chokepoints, remains under heightened tension amid what is being described as an unprecedented disruption to global energy supplies.
The standoff has triggered a sharp surge in oil prices, raising concerns over a broader economic impact as the crisis deepens. Brent crude is trading around $100 per barrel, while WTI is near $94–95 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions. Prices have surged from earlier levels, with intraday volatility pushing Brent briefly above the $100 mark.
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