US and Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz, threatening truce
Washington: The US military confirmed it struck Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz in what it said was an act of self-defense following Iran’s attack on American ships.
US Central Command, which controls operations in the Middle East, said Iran launched several missiles, drones and small boats as three US guided missile destroyers passed through the strait late Thursday (Iran time).
CENTCOM said in a statement that the United States prevented these “unprovoked Iranian attacks” that did not hit their targets and responded by striking the responsible Iranian military facilities.
“CENTCOM does not want to escalate tensions, but maintains its position and preparations to protect American forces,” the statement said.
Earlier, Iranian state media reported that the country’s armed forces exchanged fire with the “enemy” on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, which is also the largest island in the Persian Gulf.
Semi-official Iranian news agencies reported that explosions were heard near the port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.
This development comes as both sides are discussing a possible memorandum of understanding to end the war, with a 30-day negotiation period beginning on the details of a possible deal.
Iran has yet to formally respond to the one-page, 14-point framework reportedly being worked on by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The current ceasefire has been in effect since April 7. However, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely impassable due to security concerns due to Iranian gunfire, mines and tolls.
The United States also maintains a naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, targeting ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and aiming to strangle the country’s economic lifelines.
The White House referred to CENTCOM’s statement when contacted for comment.
More to come
Michael Koziol is the North America correspondent for The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. He is a former Sydney editor, Sun-Herald deputy editor and a federal political correspondent in Canberra.Connect with: X or email.
