Trump says US-Iran ceasefire ‘still in effect’ after exchange of fire in Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump insists the US-Iran ceasefire remains in effect, despite a naval clash in the Strait of Hormuz that both sides blame on the other.

Following US Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that three US Navy guided-missile destroyers, including the USS Rafael Peralta, were targeted by a barrage of Iranian missiles, drones, and small boats, President Trump downplayed the clash dropped “beautifully down to the Ocean, very much like a butterfly dropping to its grave.”

The US president also reiterated a warning over the peace deal: “Just like we knocked them out again today, 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!”

Iran’s top military command alleges the US violated the ceasefire first by attacking an Iranian oil tanker and launching aerial attacks on coastal areas like Qeshm Island and Bandar Khamir, causing significant damage.

The fragility of the peace was highlighted early Friday as the UAE activated air defenses to engage incoming Iranian drones and missiles, while unconfirmed reports of explosions rocked Tehran.

The flare-up occurred just as Pakistani mediators were pushing a 14-point memorandum of understanding. The White House believes it could be closing in on an understanding with Iran, which could set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. 

However, a senior member of Iran’s parliament has dismissed this memorandum of understanding as a “wish list”.

Trump warned on Truth Social that unless Iran agrees to a peace deal immediately, “the bombing starts” at a level of intensity far greater than the initial offensive. 

A rift in messaging has emerged within the US administration. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Operation Epic Fury has concluded after achieving its goals, Trump insists the operation only ends once Iran “agrees to give what has been agreed to.”

Trump claims Iran has “totally agreed” to never possess a nuclear weapon. However, Tehran has not yet confirmed this, and Iranian officials continue to describe their position as having a “finger on the trigger.”

Both nations remain deadlocked over a 14-point memorandum of understanding as Trump signaled that a failure to sign will result in the resumption of high-intensity strikes. 

Conversely, Iran has threatened a “regret-inducing” response if the US does not meet its counter conditions.

With the main offensive officially paused by the State Department, the US military has shifted to a defensive mission to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, at the very site of the current exchange of fire.