Trump Accuses Iran of Violating Ceasefire After Cargo Ship Attack in Strait of Hormuz

United States President Donald Trump has accused Iran of breaching a recently signed ceasefire agreement after a cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has heightened tensions just days after Washington and Tehran agreed to end hostilities and restore stability in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a maritime security agency operated by the Royal Navy, the vessel was hit by an “unknown projectile” approximately 7.5 nautical miles (14 kilometres) southeast of Dahit, Oman. No casualties or injuries were reported.

The attack comes despite a memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran last week, which formally ended weeks of tensions between the two countries and included commitments to ensure the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

While shipping activities have resumed in the waterway, disagreements persist over navigation arrangements. Key points of contention include the routes vessels should follow and whether Iran should have the authority to impose transit charges on ships passing through the strait.

Efforts by Oman and the International Maritime Organization to establish a new shipping corridor that would partially bypass waters under Iran’s direct control have also drawn opposition from Tehran. Iranian authorities argue that the proposal was unveiled without adequate consultation with the country.

Reacting to the latest incident, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday, claiming that the US military had intercepted and destroyed three drones in addition to the attack on the cargo vessel.

“Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,” Trump wrote.

Iran has so far neither accepted responsibility for the attack nor denied any involvement.

Earlier on Friday, Iranian media reported that at least three foreign oil tankers attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz without what it described as proper authorisation were forced to turn back after receiving warnings.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, defended Tehran’s position, insisting that maritime security in the strait could not be guaranteed through what he called vague arrangements, parallel shipping routes, or decision-making processes that failed to take Iran’s interests into account as a coastal state.

The latest developments have raised fresh concerns over the fragile ceasefire and the future of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies and international trade.