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Trump said the Iranian attack on the ship transversing Strait of Hormuz is a “foolish” violation of Washington-Tehran agreement.
Since June 15, traffic has been steadily increasing through the strait, which normally sees around a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports. (AFP file photo)
US President Donald Trump on Friday said American forces shot down three Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz after an Iranian drone struck a commercial cargo ship, calling the attack a “foolish” violation of the ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Iran launched four one-way attack drones at vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran shot at least four One Way Attack Drones at Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz. One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship. Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,” Trump wrote.
The US President’s remarks came a day after a commercial vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports, making it one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
Maritime Tensions Escalate
Following Thursday’s attack, the United Nations suspended efforts to evacuate hundreds of ships and their crews that remain stranded in the region.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), announced that evacuation operations involving around 600 vessels had been put on hold due to the deteriorating security situation.
The latest incident also comes after Iran warned that vessels using routes outside those designated by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) would not receive safe-passage guarantees.
“Any passage through routes outside the framework designated by PGSA will not be covered by safe passage guarantees,” the authority said in a post on X.
During the conflict that began in late February, Iran imposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global shipping and triggering concerns over energy supplies. Tehran has since indicated it plans to introduce what it describes as maritime service fees for vessels transiting the waterway.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
The latest developments threaten to complicate ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which are working towards a comprehensive agreement after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end the conflict.
While commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has gradually recovered since 15 June, Thursday’s drone attack has once again heightened concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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