Iran testing fragile ceasefire, fires on Navy, commercial ships

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

Iran is testing the ceasefire as it fires at U.S. naval and commercial vessels within hours of the implementation of “Project Freedom.”

U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper told reporters Iranian cruise missiles targeted U.S. Navy ships and commercial shipping vessels, but were “defended,” according to Cooper.

President Donald Trump said via Truth Social Monday afternoon that the U.S. “shot down seven smaller boats,” also referred to as fast-attack boats, which Iran has been relying heavily on to wreak havoc in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump warned Iran during an interview with Fox News that if the regime attacks any U.S. Navy ship, “They’ll be blown off the face of the Earth.”

The warnings come as the United Arab Emirates claims they have been under attack by the Islamic Republic on Monday, with the regime launching ballistic and cruise missiles at the Gulf nation, which houses U.S. military forces.

Since Iran essentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz shortly after the strikes began, the president has been urging nations that rely on oil from the strait to take action to secure the vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Trump reignited that call Monday, urging South Korea to “join the mission,” after the president said Iran targeted a South Korean ship. Though the president also said, despite the South Korean ship being targeted, “at this moment, no damage going through the strait.”

It is unclear if the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which was initiated April 7, is still in effect following the latest uprising from Iran.

Trump said that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine would host a press conference Tuesday morning, possibly providing an update on the fragile ceasefire and “Project Freedom.”