US and Iran Exchange Fire in Biggest Ceasefire Test Since Truce Began

Mintesinot Niggusie

Fresh fighting broke out between the United States and Iran on Thursday, marking the sharpest confrontation since a ceasefire between the two sides began a month ago, even as both governments signalled they were seeking to avoid a broader escalation.

The exchange came while Tehran was reviewing a US proposal intended to formalise an end to the conflict. The plan reportedly leaves unresolved key disputes surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian military officials accused Washington of breaching the truce through attacks on two ships entering the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on Iranian territory. Tehran said its forces responded by targeting US military vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Central Command said Iranian forces launched attacks using missiles, drones and small boats against three US Navy destroyers, but added that no American military assets were damaged. US forces later carried out strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

Donald Trump downplayed the confrontation and insisted the ceasefire was still holding. Speaking in Washington, Trump said the latest confrontation had not derailed contacts, adding that negotiations were still continuing. “They trifled with us today. We blew them away,” he told reporters.

Trump said Tehran had accepted that it would not acquire nuclear weapons, describing that condition as part of the US offer. Asked when an agreement could be reached, Trump said a deal could happen “any day,” while acknowledging it might also fail to materialise.