The attack on Thursday raised fresh concerns over the stability of the preliminary agreement aimed at ending the Iran conflict. Two US officials told Reuters that Iran had fired on the vessel. Trump claimed an Iranian drone struck the ship’s upper deck.
“Damage was done, but the ship was able to proceed on its way,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that US forces shot down three other drones. “Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement.”
Earlier, Iran condemned a joint statement by the United States and six Gulf countries rejecting Tehran’s claim that it could impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said safe passage through the strategic waterway could not be guaranteed without recognising Iran’s role as a coastal state.
Bloomberg reported that Oman had informed allies that ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz might have to pay fees, although Reuters could not independently verify the report.
In a sign of diplomatic engagement, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed held his first publicly announced phone call with his Iranian counterpart since the conflict began, stressing the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through the strait.
Iranian state television also reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned off three foreign oil tankers attempting what it described as an “unauthorised passage” through the Strait of Hormuz. No further details were provided.
Responding to the reports, a US official said Washington was aware of the situation and was investigating, reiterating President Trump’s position that Iran must not interfere with the free flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
