President Trump accused Iran of a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire and 60-day memorandum of understanding on Friday after Iran launched drones at a cargo ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
The attack comes amid disagreement over Iran charging “transit fees” or tolls in the Strait, which US officials have repeatedly said will not be allowed. However, Iran has reportedly been noncommittal to allowing toll-free shipping in the Strait.
Per CBS:
Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News.
The cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an “unknown projectile” on Thursday evening near the Oman coast, according to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations. The U.S. official confirmed the vessel was hit by an Iranian drone.
The U.S.-approved route for ships to travel through the Strait of Hormuz involves hugging the Omani coastline, while Iran has called for ships to travel along a northern route.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, the agency set up by Iran to manage transit through the Straight of Hormuz, said in a statement after the attack, “Any passage through routes outside the framework designated by PGSA will not be covered by safe passage guarantees and will not be entitled to insurance coverage or related liabilities.”
It added, “The consequences arising from passage through unauthorized routes shall be the responsibility of the owner, operator, and vessel commander.”
The UN has since paused plans to evacuate stranded ships through the strait, with the UN’s International Maritime Organization Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, citing the attack. Dominguez wrote on X, “Seafarer safety remains paramount. To ensure coordinated approach & navigational safety, the IMO evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity.”
More from Fox:
Trump responded, saying the US shot down three of four drones and accusing Iran of a “foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement.”
“One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship. Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way,” Trump said.
Full statement below:
The Islamic Republic of Iran shot at least four One Way Attack Drones at Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz. One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship. Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement. President DONALD J. TRUMP
This is a developing story.
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