Trump accuses Iran of ceasefire breach after Strait of Hormuz attack

US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire agreement with Washington after a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was struck by a projectile on Thursday, with no casualties reported.

In response, the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) paused its planned evacuation of more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the key shipping lane. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran had fired at least four drones at passing ships, with one hitting. "Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement," he said.

Tehran has not directly responded, but Iranian state media is reporting his remarks. The attack came after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that crossing the strait via an IMO-designated route was "unacceptable and completely dangerous" and that vessels should coordinate with Iran. The IRGC also reiterated claims that the strait is Iranian territory.

Trump said three drones were shot down, but one struck the upper deck of a "large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship," causing limited damage. The ship was able to proceed, according to the owner's report.

British maritime security agency UKMTO reported the ship was hit 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman's port of Dahit by an unknown projectile. The Singapore-flagged vessel Ever Lovely had been following the UKMTO's recommended route, said owner Evergreen. All crew, the vessel, and cargo are safe.

IMO chief Dominguez said on Thursday the ship did not transit under the IMO's evacuation framework. After pausing the evacuation plan, he stated on Friday he was working with parties, including the US, Iran, and Oman, to obtain guarantees vessels would not be targeted. The IMO noted 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers had crossed before the pause.

The strait was reopened earlier this month after a US-Iran ceasefire deal. Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran starting in late February, Tehran effectively closed the waterway, spiking global oil prices and choking commodity shipments. A 14-point memorandum of understanding called for Iran to use its best efforts for safe passage of commercial vessels free of charge for 60 days. However, Iran has repeatedly said it plans to charge maritime service fees, a move fiercely opposed by the US.