Trump says ceasefire still holds after fighting between the US and Iran flares

WASHINGTON/CAIRO (Reuters) – US and Iranian forces clashed in the Gulf, and the UAE came under renewed attack, endangering a month-old ceasefire and shaking hopes for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

The flare-up in fighting came as Washington awaited a response from Tehran to its proposal to end the conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli airstrikes across Iran on February 28.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday three US Navy destroyers were attacked as they moved through the strait, a conduit for around a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows that Iran has all but closed since the conflict started.

"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 on Truth Social.

Trump later told reporters the ceasefire was still in effect and sought to play down the exchange.

"They trifled with us today. We blew them away," Trump said in Washington.

Iran's top joint military command accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another ship, and of carrying out air attacks on civilian areas on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby coastal areas. The military said it responded by attacking US military vessels east of the strait and south of the port of Chabahar.

A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the Iranian strikes inflicted "significant damage," but US Central Command said none of its assets were hit.

Iran's ​Press TV later reported that, following several hours of fire, "the situation on Iranian islands and coastal cities by the Strait of Hormuz is back to normal now."

The two ​sides have occasionally exchanged gunfire since the ceasefire took effect on April 7, with Iran hitting targets in Gulf countries including the UAE.

There were few details immediately available about the latest ‌attack on the ⁠emirates. Since the war began, Iran has often targeted the UAE and other Gulf countries, which host US bases. 

Centcom said Iran had used missiles, drones and small boats in the attack, which targeted three Navy destroyers. The US said it targeted missile and drone sites and other locations in response.

"CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces," it said in a statement.

Iran also said it would respond if attacked.
"(The) US and its allies must know that Iran will respond forcefully and without the slightest hesitation to any act of aggression or attack," the military spokesperson said, according to state television.

Iran's Press TV later reported that, following several hours of fire, "the situation on Iranian islands and coastal cities by the Strait of Hormuz is back to normal now."

The two sides have occasionally exchanged gunfire since ⁠the ceasefire took effect on April 7.

TRUMP URGES NEGOTIATED END TO WAR

Trump suggested ongoing talks with Tehran remained on track despite Thursday's hostilities, telling reporters, "We're negotiating with the Iranians."

Before the latest strikes, the US had floated a proposal that would formally end the conflict but did not address key US demands that Iran suspend its nuclear work and reopen the strait, which before the war handled one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply.

Tehran said it ⁠had not yet reached a conclusion on the emerging plan.

Even so, Trump said Iran had acknowledged his demand that Iran could never get a nuclear weapon, a prohibition he said was spelled out in the US proposal.

"There's zero chance. And they know that, and they've agreed to that. Let's see if they are willing to sign it," Trump said.

Asked when any deal might be reached, Trump said, "It might not happen, but it could happen ⁠any day. I believe they want to deal more than I do."