The United States on Friday disabled two Iranian tankers near the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalated despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to preserve a ceasefire in the Gulf conflict.
US Central Command said an F/A-18 Super Hornet used precision strikes to stop the vessels from proceeding toward Iran. Iranian media simultaneously reported “sporadic clashes” between Iranian and US forces in the strategic waterway.
The confrontation came hours after both sides exchanged fire overnight, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was awaiting Iran’s response to a new proposal aimed at extending the truce and advancing negotiations.
Speaking in Rome, Rubio said the US hoped Tehran would present a “serious offer” and insisted Iran should not control the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the proposal was under review and said Tehran would announce its decision once consultations were complete.
Meanwhile, Saudi sources told AFP that Saudi Arabia refused to allow US forces to use its airspace or military bases for operations linked to reopening commercial shipping routes through the strait.
The US military said Iranian forces had launched missiles, drones and small boats at three American warships transiting the area, though no US vessel was hit. Washington said its forces intercepted the attacks and carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian land positions.
Iran’s military, however, accused the US of targeting an Iranian tanker and striking civilian areas in Bandar Khamir, Sirik and Qeshm Island. Tehran described the action as a violation of the ceasefire and international law.
US President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire remained intact despite the clashes, telling reporters: “They trifled with us today. We blew them away.”
The renewed tensions rattled global markets on Friday, with fears growing that instability in the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt international shipping and delay efforts to secure a lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran.
