US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a fresh warning to Iran after an exchange of fire involving American naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said three US Navy destroyers had successfully passed through the strategic waterway despite coming under attack. He claimed the American ships escaped without damage while Iranian forces suffered losses.
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"Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire. There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers," Trump wrote.
Trump threatens stronger response
The US President also warned Tehran of stronger military action if it failed to move quickly on a proposed agreement with Washington.
"We'll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don't get their Deal signed, FAST!" he added.
Trump's remarks came after the US military confirmed it had carried out strikes on Iranian military targets following attacks on three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, however, accused the United States of launching the first strike.
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Tensions rise despite ceasefire
The latest escalation has raised concerns over the fragile ceasefire that came into effect on April 8 after weeks of US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
According to Iran's military, US forces attacked two vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz and also conducted strikes inside Iranian territory. Tehran further alleged that Washington targeted civilian areas on Qeshm Island as well as coastal regions near Bandar Khamir and Sirik.
Iran's joint military command claimed the ceasefire had been violated and said Iranian forces responded by targeting US military ships east of the Strait of Hormuz and south of Chabahar port.
The US military, meanwhile, maintained that its actions were carried out in response to Iranian attacks.
The renewed tensions come at a time when Washington is awaiting Tehran's response to a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict, though major disputes, including Iran's nuclear programme, remain unresolved.
