As tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, US fires on 2 more Iranian tankers

Dubai: The United States said its forces disabled two Iranian oil tankers on Friday after an overnight exchange of fire with Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United Arab Emirates reported a fresh Iranian missile and drone attack.

The developments raised further concerns over the fragile month-old ceasefire, though Washington maintained that the truce remained in effect. The U.S. was said to be awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposal aimed at ending the conflict, reopening the strait and curbing Iran’s controversial nuclear programme.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington expected a “serious offer” from Iran later on Friday, Associated Press reported.

According to the U.S. military, the two Iranian tankers were targeted after allegedly attempting to breach an American blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier, the military claimed it had foiled attacks on three Navy ships and carried out strikes on Iranian military facilities in the strait.

Iran has restricted movement through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations on February 28, triggering sharp increases in global fuel prices and unsettling international markets. In response, Washington imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports.

The UAE Defence Ministry said three people were injured after air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones allegedly launched by Iran, though it remained unclear whether all projectiles had been successfully neutralised.

The U.S. military released footage showing American fighter jets striking the smokestacks of the two Iranian tankers. It also stated that, earlier in the week, a U.S. jet had disabled the rudder of another tanker accused of trying to violate the blockade.

Late Thursday, the U.S. military claimed it had thwarted Iranian attacks on three Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliated by targeting Iranian military sites. Officials said no American ships sustained damage.

Rubio warned that any threats against Americans would be met with force.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. military action as “hostile” and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire. "Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X.

An overnight U.S. strike killed at least one sailor and injured 10 others aboard a cargo vessel that caught fire, according to a news agency linked to Iran’s judiciary. It was not immediately clear whether the vessel was among the two tankers acknowledged by the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump continued to insist that the ceasefire was holding, while also warning that large-scale bombing could resume if Iran failed to agree to reopening the strait and limiting its nuclear activities.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad had remained in constant contact with both Washington and Tehran in efforts to preserve the ceasefire and secure a broader peace agreement.