U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday directly accused Iran of carrying out a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the attack as a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Details of the Attack
According to Trump’s statement on social media, one drone struck the upper deck of the ship, causing damage, but the vessel was able to continue its journey. The U.S. military shot down three other drones that were targeting the same ship. Trump did not specify the name of the vessel or the exact time of the strike.
On Thursday, the British military reported that a vessel had been hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman, though it did not attribute responsibility.
Fragile Ceasefire Context
The incident occurs during a delicate phase in U.S.-Iran relations, as both sides work to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Iran has increasingly challenged U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz, even after reaching an interim deal with the U.S. just last week. The interim agreement includes a 60-day window to resolve key issues, including safe passage through the strait and the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Regional Tensions and Missile Alert
Earlier on Friday, a missile warning in the United Arab Emirates caused by a technical glitch heightened regional tensions. The mobile phone alert, sent by the UAE’s Interior Ministry, startled many in Dubai—the first such alert since the interim ceasefire began. Similar alerts had been issued during the war, which started on February 28 when the U.S. and Iran launched strikes on Iran.
Following the alert, Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah “emphasized the importance of full commitment” to the interim deal, stating that “serious diplomacy and responsible dialogue are the optimal path for addressing all regional and international crises.”
Ongoing Negotiations
The U.S. and Iran continue to negotiate the terms of the interim peace deal, focusing on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the reduction of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The 60-day negotiation period aims to establish a framework for a permanent agreement.
