US President Donald Trump escalated pressure on Iran and demanded a full surrender through a post on Truth Social. He set strict conditions and described what he expects from Tehran, linking it to a total military defeat and formal submission to the United States. He also attacked major US media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN, and called them part of the “fake news media” for reporting an Iranian victory over the US.

Iran Accuses US Of Ceasefire Violations In Strait Of Hormuz

Meanwhile, Iran strongly accused the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement in the Strait of Hormuz region. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said US forces continued “unlawful and unjust” actions even after the truce announcement. In addition, Tehran alleged that Washington carried out “numerous maritime robberies” targeting Iranian commercial ships. Moreover, Iran said US strikes in Hormozgan province marked a “gross violation” of the ceasefire that has lasted nearly seven weeks, and it warned that such actions increased regional instability.

US Military Defends Self-Defence Strikes In Southern Iran

In response, the United States military defended its operations and said it acted strictly in self-defence. According to CENTCOM spokesperson Timothy Hawkins, US forces targeted Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz. “US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” he told CNN. Furthermore, he added, “Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”

US Claims Iranian Boats Placed Mines Near Strategic Strait

Additionally, a senior US official told Fox News that Iranian boats were laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The official further stated that US forces also responded after a missile threat targeted one of their warplanes. Consequently, US forces carried out counter-operations in the region, while both sides continued to exchange accusations amid fragile ceasefire conditions.