US and Iran Trade Fire in Serious Ceasefire Violation

The United States and Iran exchanged fire again on Thursday in the most serious violation of the ceasefire in place since early April. Both sides later moved to calm the situation, signaling that they did not want the conflict to escalate further.

Iran accused the US of attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and of air strikes on its territory. Tehran said it had responded by targeting US warships. The US military, by contrast, said it had intervened only after the Iranian attack and that its forces had suffered no damage.

US President Donald Trump sought to play down the incident, stressing that the ceasefire remained in force. He also confirmed that negotiations with Tehran on ending the conflict would continue. Key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and the full resumption of shipping, remain unresolved.

The renewed fighting has also affected global markets. Oil and gasoline prices have risen, as the Strait of Hormuz is a key route for one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.

(reuters, est)