President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social on 7/5 that the United States would defeat Iran "more fiercely in the future" if a deal is not swiftly signed. Trump asserted that Iran would never have the opportunity to use nuclear weapons, comparing potential future actions to how the US thwarted a recent attack.

Trump also claimed that three US destroyers, the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason, passed through the Strait of Hormuz under enemy fire without damage. He added that Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and several small boats "were completely destroyed" during the confrontation.

President Donald Trump speaks at the White House on 6/5. *AP*

In a phone interview with ABC News on the same day, Trump described the recent engagement as "a love tap." He emphasized that the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran "is ongoing, still in effect."

Iranian officials have not yet commented on Trump's statements or the alleged confrontation.

Trump's comments followed an announcement by Central Command (CENTCOM), the US military body overseeing Middle East operations. CENTCOM reported shooting down multiple Iranian missiles, UAVs, and speedboats targeting the destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The command also stated it struck Iranian military facilities involved in the attack efforts.

Earlier, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command accused the United States of violating the ceasefire. It claimed the US attacked two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and struck several locations in southern Iran. The command stated it retaliated by attacking US warships in the area.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Guardian*

The United States and Iran have been observing a ceasefire since 8/4 to negotiate an end to their conflict. Washington awaits Tehran's response to a proposal. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran would communicate its position through intermediary Pakistan after reviewing the proposal.

Both sides have previously clashed during the ceasefire. On 4/5, the US military reported destroying 6 speedboats and intercepting Iranian cruise missiles and UAVs. This occurred when Iran attempted to impede the US "Operation Freedom Project," an initiative aimed at reopening the sea lane through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran later denied the US report.

By Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, CNN)