U.S. President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of a military response to Iran following a recent attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters, Trump said: “If I respond, you’ll find out,” adding that he disapproved of Iran’s actions and that “they shouldn’t have done it.”
Accusations of Ceasefire Breach
Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Tehran of violating a recently agreed ceasefire understanding between the U.S. and Iran. He claimed Iran launched at least four suicide drones against ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to Trump, one drone struck the deck of a large cargo ship, causing material damage but not disabling it, while the remaining three were shot down by U.S. forces.
This incident appears to be the first since the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
Attack on Ever Lovely
Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen Marine confirmed that its Singapore-flagged vessel, the Ever Lovely, was struck on Thursday near Oman’s coast by an “unknown object” while following a route recommended by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office. The company stated that no crew members were injured and the ship continued its voyage normally before exiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Two U.S. officials told Reuters the vessel came under fire from Iranian forces. Meanwhile, Iran’s Gulf Strait Authority — a body established by Tehran — asserted that using non-approved maritime routes is the sole responsibility of the shipowner, operator, and captain.