Trump Accuses Iran of Violating Ceasefire with Drone Attack on Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran on Friday of violating a newly signed ceasefire agreement by launching at least four one-way attack drones at commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to Trump's statement posted on Truth Social, one drone struck the upper deck of a large cargo vessel, causing damage but allowing the ship to continue its journey. Trump stated that U.S. forces intercepted and shot down three of the drones. When asked whether the United States would respond to the attack, Trump declined to specify consequences, saying only "You will find out."

The incident occurred as the United States and Iran are negotiating the terms of a provisional ceasefire agreement reached the previous week. Trump characterized the drone attack as "a foolish violation" of the agreement during a period when both nations are working toward a permanent end to hostilities. The attack underscored the fragility of the current situation and raised questions about Iran's commitment to the ceasefire terms.

Iran's state media presented a contrasting narrative of events in the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that Iran's Navy had intercepted three unauthorized foreign tankers attempting to pass through the strategic waterway without Tehran's permission on Thursday. According to Iranian accounts, the tankers were forced to change course after being warned. Iran's Persian Gulf Control Authority stated it could not guarantee the safety of vessels traveling routes not established by Tehran, asserting its authority over maritime passage through the strait.

The British military confirmed that a vessel had been struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman on Thursday. The International Maritime Organization, a UN agency, suspended evacuation efforts for ships stranded in the crucial global energy corridor following the incident. Approximately 115 ships had successfully departed the strait in recent days, while around 500 remained in the area. The attack tested confidence in the commercial shipping corridor, with maritime data analysts noting that a week of growing optimism about Strait of Hormuz traffic had encountered its first significant setback. Prior to the drone attack, vessel transits had reached their highest levels since the conflict began, though still below pre-conflict averages of 130 or more ships daily.