US and Iran trade strikes in Gulf of Oman amid fragile ceasefire
The United States and Iran have traded fresh accusations after US forces struck two ships in the Gulf of Oman, with Iranian officials saying their navy responded and that the clashes have now ceased.
US Central Command said an F/A-18 Super Hornet used precision munitions against the vessels yesterday, saying the action was taken to prevent them from continuing to Iran.
Iranian officials described the attack as a violation of the ceasefire and accused Washington of hampering diplomatic efforts.
The incident comes as a tenuous ceasefire remains under strain across the wider conflict.
The UAE said its air defences engaged two ballistic missiles and three drones from Iran yesterday, leaving three people with moderate injuries.
The Gulf of Oman is a key route into the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of global oil shipments pass.
Any disruption there is closely watched because of the potential impact on energy supplies and regional security.
The latest exchange follows another flare-up overnight in the strait, where control has become a central point of dispute.
A US intelligence assessment also suggested Iran could withstand a naval blockade for months, indicating that pressure on Tehran may be limited.
