Despite the ceasefire in effect since April 7, the United States and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz overnight. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said three American guided-missile destroyers — the USS Truxtun, the USS Rafael Peralta and the USS Mason — were attacked “without provocation” with missiles, drones and speedboats while passing through the strait.
Iranian Navy Launches Retaliatory Missiles at US Warships
Iran’s naval forces have targeted US warships with missiles and drones in a retaliatory attack.
The USS Truxtun and USS Mason were the primary targets of Iran’s response to US aggression. pic.twitter.com/IKb0H0XBhb— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) May 8, 2026
None of the ships were damaged. In response, US forces struck Iranian military targets, including missile and drone launch sites, command centers and intelligence facilities. Washington stressed that it is not seeking further escalation, but has the right and duty to protect its own forces.
Tehran says it is in the right
Iran firmly rejected the US account. Tehran blamed an American attack on an Iranian oil tanker the day before for the escalation, calling it the actual breach of the ceasefire. Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had merely responded to the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran also views as a violation of the truce.
US President Donald Trump described the American counterstrikes to reporters as merely a “love tap” — a small slap — and insisted that the ceasefire remains in force. At the same time, he warned Tehran that if Iran does not sign a peace agreement, Washington will respond far more forcefully in the future.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian and economic consequences of the closure are becoming increasingly severe. The secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization warned that around 1,500 ships with approximately 20,000 crew members are trapped in the Persian Gulf, and that 10 sailors have already lost their lives in more than 30 attacks.
President Trump told ABC News’ Rachel Scott during a phone call Thursday that retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets are just a “love tap.”
Live updates: https://t.co/SckPdjIMgM
— ABC News (@ABC) May 7, 2026
Negotiations through Pakistan
Alongside the fighting, mediation efforts are continuing through Pakistan. Islamabad asked Washington to suspend the naval operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while peace talks are underway.
Trump confirmed that negotiations are continuing despite the latest escalation and expressed cautious optimism.
At the UN Security Council, the United States, together with Bahrain, introduced a draft resolution calling on Iran to stop the attacks and disclose the locations of mines. Russia and China, however, signaled that they would block the resolution.
Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates
