US and Iran clash in Strait of Hormuz, truce at risk of collapse
Priyanka Shankar
A military engagement between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz on May 8 has raised fears that the fragile ceasefire between the two nations may collapse. Both sides have offered conflicting accounts of the incident and resulting damage. Despite the clash, diplomatic efforts continue, with Iran reviewing a new U.S. peace proposal.
Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated once again after the two sides exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday (May 8), just a month after a ceasefire was established. The incident occurred as Washington awaits Tehran's response to a new peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict that began on February 28.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that three U.S. Navy destroyers were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz—which carries one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas in peacetime but has been nearly blockaded by Iran since the outbreak of hostilities. Trump asserted that the destroyers “suffered no damage” and that the ceasefire remains in effect.
In contrast, Iran's Supreme Military Command accused the United States of violating the truce by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel, while also launching airstrikes on residential areas on Qeshm Island and coastal regions. Iran stated it retaliated by attacking U.S. military vessels east of the strait and south of Chabahar port, causing “significant damage”—contradicting the U.S. Central Command's statement that no American assets were hit.
Analysts describe the engagement as a “controlled escalation,” with both sides attempting to demonstrate resolve while still pursuing diplomatic efforts. Donald Jensen, a former U.S. diplomat, suggested a comprehensive deal remains unlikely, with a limited agreement focused on transit through the strait being more plausible. Broader diplomatic goals, especially concerning Iran's nuclear program, may have to be shelved.
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute, warned that Iran may view U.S. attacks as an attempt to create a “unilateral ceasefire” similar to what Israel has done in Gaza—a move Tehran would find hard to accept.
Despite the clashes, mediation and diplomatic efforts continue. Iran confirmed it is reviewing the latest U.S. peace proposal, while both sides seem to share an interest in preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.
