Iran says US violated ceasefire with strikes near Strait of Hormuz

What happened

France 24 Middle East reports that Iran has accused the United States of violating a ceasefire by conducting strikes near the Strait of Hormuz in Iran's southern Hormozgan province. Iranian media reported explosions early Tuesday, and the Iranian foreign ministry described the US strikes as a "gross violation" of the nearly seven-week-old ceasefire agreement. The US military said the strikes were defensive, targeting missile sites and vessels allegedly laying mines.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. The conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran and has since severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Despite the fighting, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they allowed 25 oil tankers and other vessels to pass through the strait with their permission in the previous 24 hours. The attacks have driven oil prices higher, with Brent crude futures rising about 3.5% to around $100 per barrel.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting after the strikes, said negotiations to halt the conflict could take "a few days," referencing progress on an initial agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening shipping lanes. This preliminary deal would set a 30-day framework for improved conditions, with more complex issues like Iran's nuclear program slated for later talks. Iranian negotiators reportedly are pushing to include the release of some $24 billion of frozen assets as part of the memorandum.

Known from the source

• Iran accused the US of violating a ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iranian media reported sounds of explosions in Hormozgan province early Tuesday.
• US said attacks targeted missile sites and boats allegedly laying mines.
• The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28.
• Iranian Revolutionary Guards allowed 25 vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours.

What remains unclear

Following the strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated they reserved the right to retaliate and reported shooting down a US drone as well as firing at another drone and fighter jet allegedly entering Iranian airspace over the Gulf. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei reaffirmed hardline slogans against the US and Israel, signaling enduring tensions despite ongoing negotiations.

What remains unclear: Independent confirmation of the US strikes targeting missile sites and vessels near Hormozgan province. Verification of the Iranian claim of downing a US drone and firing at an additional drone and fighter jet. Confirmation of the exact terms and progress of the ceasefire agreement negotiations, especially concerning the frozen assets and 30-day framework. Verification of Iranian statements about reserving the right of retaliation.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: France 24 Middle East. Open the source.