US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that a deal with Iran could happen "at any time," even as US and Iranian forces engaged in a serious military exchange in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening a month-old ceasefire.
While inspecting renovations at the Washington Monument, President Trump told reporters that negotiations with Tehran are ongoing. "I believe they want this deal more than I do," Trump said, though he warned of "great suffering" for Iran if an agreement is not signed quickly.
The diplomatic optimism stands in stark contrast to events in the Persian Gulf. Iranian naval forces reportedly targeted three US destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz using missiles and kamikaze drones.
US Version: President Trump claimed on Truth Social that the destroyers transited the strait "very successfully" under fire with zero damage, while "great damage" was dealt to the Iranian attackers.
Iran Version: Tehran’s military command accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an oil tanker and civilian areas on Qeshm Island. They claimed their retaliatory strikes inflicted "significant damage" on US vessels.
The escalation triggered immediate panic in the UAE, where air defense systems were activated to intercept incoming projectiles. The flare-up has sent shockwaves through the global economy; Brent crude oil prices jumped above $100 a barrel on Friday morning as investors feared a prolonged conflict in the world's most vital oil transit point.
Despite the violence, the US State Department maintains that the ceasefire remains technically in effect.
