Fighting between the United States and Iran showed no clear sign of ending on Friday, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to Reuters, fresh clashes erupted in Gulf waters as both sides accused each other of violating truce terms agreed weeks ago. Iran reportedly launched missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, while the US said it struck Iranian-linked vessels attempting to enter restricted ports.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes remains at the centre of the crisis. Iran has largely restricted non-Iranian shipping in the area, while Washington continues naval operations aimed at reopening the route for global trade.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is waiting for Tehran’s response to a new peace proposal that could lead to a broader ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has warned that the conflict could escalate further if negotiations collapse. The US has also imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and companies accused of supporting Iran’s drone programme, including firms based in China and Hong Kong.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier this week that the ceasefire “is not over,” even as US and Iranian forces exchanged fire in Gulf waters.
The ongoing crisis has raised fears of further disruption to global energy supplies, with oil markets remaining volatile as traders monitor developments around Hormuz. Analysts say uncertainty over whether a lasting agreement can be reached continues to fuel instability across the region.
