US, Iran clash in Strait of Hormuz; Trump threatens escalation if talks collapse
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed an exchange of fire between American and Iranian naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz amid a ceasefire arrangement between the two sides.
He asserted that three US Navy destroyers successfully passed through the strategic waterway despite coming under attack.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said three US Navy destroyers “transited very successfully” out of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that they were fired upon during the passage.
“Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire. There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers,” Trump wrote.
Iran claims retaliatory strike on US warships
The statement comes after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy Command, in posts on X, claimed US naval vessels were targeted following an alleged American strike on an Iranian oil tanker near Jask port in southern Iran.
The IRGC alleged that a coordinated operation involving anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and suicide drones was carried out against US destroyers.
It further claimed there was “significant damage” and said American vessels had retreated from the Strait of Hormuz.
“Intelligence surveillance indicates significant damage to the American enemy, and three enemy invading ships quickly fled the Strait of Hormuz area,” the command said in a post on X.
US strike on Iranian tanker reported earlier
Earlier on Wednesday, US Naval Forces reportedly fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker identified as M/T Hasna in the Gulf of Oman.
The vessel was targeted as part of ongoing US naval operations in the region, with American forces claiming the tanker failed to comply with instructions.
Trump claims interceptions and damage to Iranian forces
Trump further claimed that Iranian naval boats were “completely destroyed” and said incoming missiles and drones were intercepted.
“Missiles were shot at our Destroyers, and were easily knocked down. Likewise, drones came and were incinerated while in the air. They dropped ever so beautifully down to the Ocean, very much like a butterfly dropping to its grave,” the post added.
He also alleged that Iranian forces suffered significant losses, including the destruction of multiple small boats.
The US President issued a sharp warning, stating that Iranian vessels would “rejoin our Naval Blockade,” which he described as a “Wall of Steel.”
He further warned that Iran would face stronger action if it did not agree to a deal quickly.
“A normal Country would have allowed these Destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal Country. They are led by lunatics, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question,” Trump wrote.
He added that future retaliation would be “a lot harder” and “a lot more violently” if no agreement was reached, reiterating that the US Navy would continue its blockade operations.
Agency inputs