In brief
- The US military has struck two Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The attacks cast more doubt on a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran that has been in place for a month.
The U.S. military has engaged and disabled two Iranian oil tankers following an exchange of fire with Iranian forces in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has reported another round of missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran.
These incidents further jeopardize a fragile ceasefire that has been in place for just a month. The United States maintains that this truce is still operational while it awaits Iran’s response to a recent proposal aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the strait, and addressing Iran’s contentious nuclear program.
In response, Iran’s foreign ministry denounced what it described as “hostile” actions by the U.S. military, claiming they breach the ceasefire agreement.
“Whenever diplomatic solutions are within reach, the U.S. chooses a reckless military path,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X.
The U.S. military reported on Friday that their forces had incapacitated two Iranian tankers attempting to break through a blockade of Iran’s ports. Earlier in the day, the military announced it had thwarted attacks on three Navy ships and targeted Iranian military sites within the strait.
Iran has mostly blocked the critical waterway for global energy since the US and Israel launched the war on 28 February, causing a global spike in fuel prices and rattling world markets. The US has imposed its own blockade of Iran’s ports.
The US military posted video of the two Iranian tankers as their smokestacks were struck by an American fighter jet on Friday. Earlier in the week, an American military jet shot out the rudder of a tanker the US military said was attempting to breach its blockade.
Late Thursday, the US military said it thwarted Iranian attacks on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and struck Iranian military facilities in response. It said no American ships were hit.
It comes as US secretary of state Marco Rubio said he hopes to receive “a serious offer” of peace from Iran.
“They threaten Americans, they are going to be blown up,” Rubio told reporters on Friday.
US President Donald Trump has insisted the ceasefire is holding. He also has reiterated threats to resume full-scale bombing if Iran doesn’t accept an agreement to reopen the strait and roll back its nuclear program.
The UAE’s defence ministry, meanwhile, said three people were wounded after air defences engaged two ballistic missiles and three drones launched by Iran. It was not clear if all were successfully intercepted.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
