The destroyer USS Rafael Peralta on patrol in the Arabian Sea, April 2026
EA on FirstPost and WION: US-Israel War — Iran Puts Another Proposal to Trump Camp
UPDATE 0152 GMT:
Iran has established a government agency to approve transit and collect tolls from shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence said the Persian Gulf Strait Authority has e-mailed it an application form for ships seeking passage.
The US and Gulf States are pressing the UN Security Council to support a resolution that condemns Iran’s control of the Strait and threatens sanctions. An earlier resolution was vetoed by Russia and China.
ORIGINAL ENTRY:
US and Iran forces exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz late Thursday, further eroding a temporary ceasefire and the possibility of negotiations in the near future.
The Iranians fired on three US destroyers, the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason. Tehran claimed that the destroyers had violated the ceasefire with a blockade on Iranian ports and interception of ships.
The US targeted “an Iranian oil tanker travelling from Iran’s coastal waters near Jask toward the Strait of Hormuz, as well as another vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz near the Emirati port of Fujairah,” said the Iranian military.
Tehran also claimed US aerial attacks, “with the cooperation of some regional countries” on civilian areas along the coasts of Bandar Khamir, Sirik, and Qeshm Island.
The Iranians claimed they inflicted “significant damage”.
US Central Command said Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones, and small boats. It claimed that in response it “eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces including missile and drone launch sites; command and control locations; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes”.
”No US assets were struck,” the military said.
The statement added, “CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.”
Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is “in effect”. He said of the US strikes on the Iranians, “It’s just a love tap.”
If the Administration declares an end to the ceasefire, it risks having to pursue Congressional authorization of operations under the 1973 War Powers Act.
Saudi Arabia Lifts Block On “Project Freedom”
Earlier on Thursday, Saudi Arabia lifted its block on “Project Freedom”, the US operation to guide shipping out of the Strait.
Trump declared the launch of the operation on Monday but suspended it 36 hours later, purportedly because he was making progress towards a deal with Tehran. In fact, the Saudis effectively halted the project by denying airspace and use of a base.
The US Navy only guided two American-flagged vessels out of the Strait before the suspension.
Officials said the Saudis and other Gulf States were angered that the US did not offer protection in return for the permission to operate. Instead, the Trump camp indicated that it would not retaliate against any Irnaian strikes “because Donald Trump is busy chasing The Deal”.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who refused to lift the block in a call with Trump early in the week, relented after a second conversation.
