TEHRAN: Iran launches missiles and drones toward US destroyers in Gulf waters , Washington responds with strikes on Iranian military positions
Donald Trump says ceasefire remains intact despite confrontation UAE reports intercepting aerial threats originating from Iran Fresh Israel-Lebanon negotiations scheduled for May 14–15.
At least 12 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Nearly 1,500 vessels remain stranded in Gulf shipping lanes
Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified again after both sides exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over the durability of a fragile ceasefire reached earlier this year.
President Donald Trump insisted the truce was still holding despite Iran targeting three American destroyers with missiles, drones, and fast-attack boats. Speaking in Washington, Trump downplayed the incident, calling it “minor,” while warning Tehran against further escalation.
According to US Central Command, American forces intercepted the incoming threats before carrying out retaliatory strikes against Iranian military infrastructure believed to be linked to the attack.
CENTCOM stated that no US vessel was damaged and emphasized that Washington was not seeking a broader conflict.
Iran, however, accused the United States of violating the ceasefire first by attacking commercial shipping vessels, claiming its military responded in self-defence by targeting American naval assets in the region.
The latest confrontation has once again placed the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil and gas transit routes — at the centre of global tensions. Shipping disruptions have left around 1,500 vessels and nearly 20,000 crew members stranded across Gulf waters, according to international maritime officials.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. Iranian officials said Tehran would communicate its latest position to Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator in efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier expressed optimism that the ceasefire could evolve into a lasting agreement despite recent hostilities.
Separately, regional tensions also remain high in Lebanon. New talks between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled for May 14 and 15 amid renewed violence along the border. Lebanese authorities reported that at least 12 people were killed in recent Israeli airstrikes.
The United Arab Emirates also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran, with residents in several areas reporting loud explosions overnight.
In another development, Iran announced that it had seized and redirected the oil tanker Ocean Koi, accusing the vessel of attempting to interfere with Iranian oil exports.
Despite the continued military exchanges, diplomatic channels remain active as international leaders push to prevent the crisis from spiralling into a wider regional conflict.
