The United States and Iran on Thursday exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire, with the US military saying it responded to Iranian attacks "with self-defense strikes."
"U.S. forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes as U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, May 7," the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X.
The Iranian military confirmed attacks on US warships and, in turn, blamed US attacks on an Iranian oil tanker.
CENTCOM said that Tehran "launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats" while the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason transited the strait, adding that no US assets were hit.
The command said that it "eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces including missile and drone launch sites; command and control locations; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes."
"CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces," it added.
The Strait of Hormuz is of crucial importance for the global economy, as key oil and liquefied gas exports from the Gulf states travel through there on their way to world markets.
Since the start of hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran in late February, Tehran has effectively halted shipping through the waterway using threats and attacks, while Washington has imposed a naval blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
Iran: US violated ceasefire
The Iranian military has accused the US of violating the ceasefire. The US military attacked an Iranian oil tanker that was travelling from Iranian coastal waters toward the Strait of Hormuz, the pro-government broadcaster Press TV quoted a military spokesman for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which takes command during wartime, as saying.
According to Press TV, the Iranian military also accused the US of carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas along the coast and on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz with the support of "some regional countries."
The Iranian armed forces reportedly responded immediately and attacked US military ships east of the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Iranian media had reported several explosions in the Gulf.
A ceasefire has been in place for around a month in the Iran conflict, but military tensions remain high.
US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism that a deal with Iran could be reached soon, with his administration awaiting Tehran's response to a 14-point proposal to end the war.
Iran said earlier on Thursday it is still reviewing the text and will deliver its reply via mediator Pakistan.
