The United States says a fragile ceasefire with Iran is still holding, even after fresh clashes in and around the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of a wider escalation.
Speaking in Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted the truce remains intact, despite an exchange of fire the previous day.
He said the U.S. was not seeking a broader conflict but would continue monitoring the situation closely.
The latest tension comes as Donald Trump pushes ahead with “Project Freedom,” a military-backed effort to help commercial vessels stranded in the strategic waterway.
The U.S. says its forces have already cleared threats, including Iranian boats, drones, and missiles, to open a passage for ships.
Iran, however, tells a very different story. Officials in Tehran claim U.S. actions have violated the ceasefire and warn that the situation could quickly spiral.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf struck a defiant tone, suggesting Iran has yet to fully respond to what it sees as provocations.
The situation has spilled beyond the strait.
The United Arab Emirates reported renewed missile and drone attacks for a second straight day, with air defence systems activated and an oil facility previously hit by fire.
The UAE has described the attacks as a serious escalation and signalled it could respond.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the standoff. The narrow passage handles a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments, and disruptions there have already sent global prices higher.
Although the U.S. says some ships have begun moving through under military protection, Iran denies that any successful crossings have taken place.
Both sides are also trading claims about what’s happening on the water.
The U.S. says it has destroyed Iranian vessels and protected shipping lanes, while Iran accuses American forces of targeting civilian ships and causing casualties.
Independent verification of these accounts remains difficult.
Despite the tensions, military officials say the clashes have not yet crossed the threshold that would trigger a full return to war. Still, the situation remains volatile, with each side warning the other against further escalation.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts are continuing.
Talks reportedly involving Pakistan as a mediator are ongoing, though progress has been slow. Iran has also indicated it is reviewing a U.S. response to its latest peace proposal.
For now, the ceasefire is holding but only just, and under increasing strain as both military and political pressures build.
