US strikes Iranian sites after attacks on warships near Hormuz, as Tehran prepares to respond to a proposed peace deal, raising global tensions.
US forces struck Iranian missile and drone sites after attacks on three warships near the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions as Tehran prepares a response to a proposed peace deal, reports Bloomberg.
US Central Command stated that no vessels were hit and the ceasefire remains in effect. President Donald Trump warned of more intense strikes if Iran rejects his terms, threatening a longer war that has already killed thousands and triggered a global energy crisis.
Iran is expected to send its reply through Pakistan within two days, according to a person familiar with the talks. Trump stated on social media that the US would hit harder if no deal is signed, later telling reporters that an agreement could come 'any day.'
Brent crude rose 1.3 percent to US$101.38 a barrel, while Asian equities fell 1.1 percent. European natural gas futures climbed 3.8 percent in thin trading. The war has effectively shut Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil and gas flows.
Iran accused the US of targeting two of its tankers and striking civilian areas along its southern coast and Qeshm Island. The United Arab Emirates reported that its air defenses intercepted missiles and drones aimed at the country.
Centcom reported that USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason transited Hormuz safely after US forces eliminated inbound threats. Iran's leaders have shown little sign of yielding on nuclear enrichment, a key US demand.
Trump suspended 'Project Freedom,' an initiative to help ships transit Hormuz, though Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on US use of regional bases, according to the Wall Street Journal. Officials declined to say if the project would restart.
Washington has relayed a one-page memo that could reopen Hormuz and lift the blockade, setting the stage for talks to end the 10-week conflict. Gasoline prices in the US breached US$4.50 a gallon, adding political pressure ahead of midterm elections.
Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing May 14-15, though officials are uneasy about holding the summit before the war is resolved. Meanwhile, Israel stated it killed a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, marking its first strike on the city since a Lebanon ceasefire began.
