US-Iran tensions escalate as ceasefire comes under pressure in Strait of Hormuz

Fresh fighting broke out between the United States and Iran as Tehran reviewed a US-backed proposal to end the conflict. The exchange renewed fears over maritime security, energy supplies and the durability of the ceasefire.

In Short

• Iran said US strikes hit an oil tanker and another vessel
• CENTCOM claimed it responded after Iranian attacks on destroyers near Hormuz
• Air defence systems were activated in Tehran after the latest escalation

Fresh fighting broke out between the United States and Iran on Thursday, casting doubt over the future of a fragile ceasefire that had largely held since April 7, even as Tehran reviewed a new proposal aimed at ending the conflict.

The renewed hostilities came amid growing diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional war, but major sticking points — including Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — remain unresolved.

Iran accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

In response, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces acted in self-defense after intercepting what it described as “unprovoked Iranian attacks” on US Navy guided-missile destroyers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz towards the Gulf of Oman on May 7.CENTCOM said US forces subsequently launched strikes on Iranian military facilities linked to the attacks. According to the US military, no American assets were hit during the confrontation.

Iranian state-linked media reported that air defense systems were activated in Tehran following the escalation, further heightening fears of a broader military confrontation.

The exchange of fire erupted at a sensitive moment, with Washington awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposed framework intended to formally end the war and stabilize the region.

According to reports, the proposal is structured in three stages: a formal end to hostilities, steps to resolve the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and a 30-day window for negotiations toward a broader long-term agreement.

However, the proposal reportedly leaves several key disputes unresolved. The one-page framework does not directly address major US demands that Iran suspend its nuclear programme or fully guarantee unrestricted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the conflict, the narrow waterway handled nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Tehran had not yet reached a final decision on the emerging proposal, signalling continued uncertainty over whether diplomacy can prevent further escalation.

The latest confrontation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the deep mistrust between the two sides despite ongoing backchannel diplomacy. Analysts warn that without agreement on Iran’s nuclear activities and maritime security in the Gulf, the prospects for a durable peace remain uncertain.

The flare-up also raised concerns among regional allies and global markets, as tensions near the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international shipping and energy supplies.

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