US-Iran tensions flare despite ceasefire as Trump downplays fresh military exchanges
Iran accused the US of violating the ceasefire near the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington said its forces acted in self-defence amid renewed regional tensions
Fresh military exchanges between the United States and Iran on Thursday cast fresh uncertainty over the stability of a fragile ceasefire that has largely remained in place since April 7, even as Tehran considered a proposal intended to bring the conflict to an end.
Despite the renewed clashes, US President Donald Trump downplayed the seriousness of the incident, maintaining that the ceasefire was still holding.
“It’s just a love tap,” Trump told an ABC News reporter, according to a social media post shared by the journalist.
Hormuz tensions threaten ceasefire
Iranian state media later said the situation had returned to normal following the exchange of fire, indicating that both sides may still be seeking to avoid a broader escalation despite the latest tensions.
The confrontation unfolded at a sensitive stage in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict. However, major disagreements — especially concerning Iran’s nuclear programme and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz — continue to remain unresolved.
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Iran on May 7 accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by attacking an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping lane crucial for global energy supplies.
In response, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces acted in self-defence after intercepting what it called “unprovoked Iranian attacks” on US Navy guided-missile destroyers moving through the Strait of Hormuz toward the Gulf of Oman on May 7.
CENTCOM said US forces subsequently carried out strikes on Iranian military facilities allegedly linked to the attacks. The US military also stated that no American assets were damaged during the confrontation.
Tehran escalation clouds peace talks
Iranian state-affiliated media reported that air defence systems were activated in Tehran following the escalation, heightening concerns about a possible wider military crisis in the region.
The latest exchange of fire came as Washington awaited Tehran’s response to a proposed framework designed to formally end the conflict and stabilise the Gulf region.
According to reports, the proposal includes a three-phase process involving a formal ceasefire, steps to address tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and a 30-day negotiation period aimed at securing a broader long-term agreement.
However, reports said the proposal leaves out several contentious matters, including key US demands for Iran to scale back its nuclear activities and ensure unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.