US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of violating the recently brokered ceasefire after alleging that the country launched multiple one-way attack drones at commercial vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran fired at least four drones at ships navigating the waterway, with one drone striking a cargo vessel and the remaining three being intercepted by US forces.
Trump Claims Cargo Ship Was Hit By Iranian Drone
Describing the alleged attack as a breach of the ceasefire agreement, Trump said one of the drones successfully struck the upper deck of a commercial cargo ship.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran shot at least four One Way Attack Drones at Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz. One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship,” Trump wrote.
He further claimed that the United States military destroyed the remaining three drones before they could hit their targets.
“Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,” the US President added.
Trump, however, did not identify the vessel that was allegedly struck or specify when the incident occurred.
UK Maritime Agency Reported Projectile Strike Near Oman
Trump’s remarks came a day after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a commercial vessel had been hit by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman.
According to the British maritime security agency, the cargo ship sustained damage to its bridge after being struck on its starboard side approximately 7.5 nautical miles (14 kilometres) off Oman’s coastline.
The agency said there were no casualties, and despite the damage, the vessel was able to continue its voyage.
The UKMTO statement did not identify the source of the projectile or attribute responsibility for the incident.
Ceasefire Faces Fresh Test
The alleged drone attack comes at a sensitive time as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations aimed at transforming the current ceasefire into a long-term peace agreement following weeks of conflict in the Middle East.
Diplomatic discussions are currently focused on several key issues, including:
- Ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
- Long-term regional security arrangements.
Under the interim ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month, both the United States and Iran have 60 days to negotiate the framework for a permanent settlement.
Trump’s latest allegations could further complicate those negotiations, with tensions remaining high despite the temporary halt in direct hostilities.
Why The Strait Of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway has the potential to affect global energy markets and international trade.
The latest allegations are likely to intensify concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the Gulf as diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire continue.