US President Donald Trump said the US launched an attack on Iran in response to an attack on US warships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, and warned of a more violent response. However, he later described the US attack on Iran as a “love tap” and said that the ceasefire was still “in force.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees Washington's military operations in the Middle East, says the US strikes were an act of “self-defense” following “unprovoked Iranian attacks” on US forces.
The Pentagon said Iran fired missiles, drones and small boats against three U.S. destroyers passing through the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman on Thursday.
Iranian Central Command Khatam al-Anbiya says the US airstrikes targeted parts of the Iranian coast, including Bandar Khamir, Sirik and Qeshm Island, and were carried out “with the cooperation of some countries in the region.” Iranian forces responded by attacking American warships.
Read also: The surprising effect of the war in Iran. Caps and garbage bags are missing
Oil prices up
On Friday morning, the United Arab Emirates announced that they were intercepting Iranian drones and ballistic and cruise missiles.
The escalation of the conflict resulted in an increase in oil prices. Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, rose 2.3% on Friday to $102.35. per barrel. American oil prices increased by 2%. to $96.74 per barrel.
Although a ceasefire has been in place since April 8 in the conflict that broke out on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for oil and gas trade, remains virtually blocked. In recent days, both sides have reported mutual attacks around this area.
