US President Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Violation After Cargo Ship Attack
US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement after a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was struck by a projectile on Thursday, causing limited damage and no casualties.
In response, the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) paused its planned evacuation of over 11,000 sailors stranded in the key shipping lane.
Trump, writing on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, said Iran had shot at least four drones at vessels crossing the strait, with one hitting a Singapore-flagged cargo ship named Ever Lovely. He described the attack as a 'foolish violation' of the ceasefire.
Iran has not directly responded to the accusation. However, Iranian state media has reported Trump's remarks and also quoted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as warning that vessels using a route designated by the IMO would face 'unacceptable and completely dangerous' consequences, and that ships should coordinate with Iran.
The IRGC has further asserted that the strait is Iranian territory. Trump said that while three drones were shot down, one struck the upper deck of the ship, causing damage but allowing the vessel to continue its journey. The ship's owner, Evergreen, confirmed limited damage and the safety of all crew members and cargo.
The British maritime security agency UKMTO reported that the ship was hit by 'an unknown projectile' at a location 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman's port of Dahit.
