Tense hours in Hormuz: Eyes on peace, hands on alert
Tensions soared in the Strait of Hormuz after US forces struck targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas. Washington insists the ceasefire remains intact, but Tehran has vowed retaliation, accusing America of violating the truce. Diplomatic efforts for a lasting deal continue.
Just as hopes for a negotiated end to the Iran-US-Israel war were building, explosions echoed across southern Iran late Thursday. Strikes targeted Iran’s Qeshm Island and the port city of Bandar Abbas near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported exchanges of fire between Iranian armed forces and “enemy elements” on Qeshm Island, with commercial sections of Bahman Pier hit.
Conflicting narratives on ceasefire status
US officials confirmed to Fox News that American forces carried out the airstrikes but stressed that “this does not mean the ceasefire has ended.” Meanwhile, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency suggested the United Arab Emirates may have played a role in the attack on Bahman Pier. Tehran also reported two drones targeting Bandar Abbas were intercepted by air defence systems. Following the clashes, air defence batteries were activated in the capital Tehran as well. Israeli sources told local media they had no involvement in the events.
Tehran vows retaliation amid diplomatic race
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters issued a stark warning: “The US has violated the ceasefire. There will be a response.” The escalation comes as President Donald Trump pushes for a diplomatic breakthrough before his scheduled China visit on May 14-15. According to Axios, the White House expects a “diplomatic sprint” to secure a final deal with Tehran by then. Washington has reportedly submitted a 14-point framework agreement to Iran and is awaiting a response within 24-48 hours. However, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf mocked the reports on X, dismissing them as “Operation Fauxios” and calling the claims fake.
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