U.S. Conducts First Airstrike on Iranian Territory Since Ceasefire...Ceasefire Grows More Unstable Than End-of-War Agreement (Comprehensive)

U.S. Military: "Self-Defense Response"
Trump: "Ceasefire Still in Effect"
Iran: "Continuing to Review U.S. End-of-War Proposal"

The U.S. military has launched its first airstrike on Iranian territory since the ceasefire declaration. The U.S. emphasized that the strike was a defensive response and cautioned against overinterpretation. U.S. President Donald Trump also stated that the ceasefire remains in effect. Iran immediately protested, calling it a ceasefire violation, but indicated a willingness to continue negotiations. Given the strong dialogue intentions of both sides, it is unlikely that this attack will escalate into a full-scale war. However, some analysts warn that the situation has become unstable, making it difficult to predict what may happen if the end-of-war agreement is rejected.

According to Fox News, on May 7 (local time), the U.S. military carried out airstrikes on Iran’s southern coastal areas, including the ports of Qeshm, Bandar Abbas, and Minab. This marks the first U.S. strike on Iranian territory in a month, since the ceasefire declaration on April 7. Fox News cited senior U.S. officials as saying, "This attack does not signify a resumption of war or the end of the ceasefire."

The U.S. military also drew a clear line, describing the action as a self-defense response. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations against Iran, issued a statement: "U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers were attacked without provocation by Iran while transiting the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman," adding, "We carried out a response attack under the right of self-defense." The statement continued, "We are not seeking escalation, but we are maintaining readiness to protect U.S. forces."

According to CENTCOM, three U.S. destroyers—the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason—came under multiple missile and drone attacks by the Iranian military while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels reportedly sustained no damage.

President Trump stressed that the ceasefire remains in place. In an interview with ABC News, he described the attack as merely a "love tap" and reaffirmed, "The ceasefire is ongoing and still valid." On his social media platform Truth Social, he further warned, "If Iran does not promptly sign the agreement, we will subdue them in a much stronger and more violent manner going forward."

U.S. stock markets, which had started the day higher on hopes for an end-of-war agreement, reversed into losses on concerns about a potential breakdown of the ceasefire accord. On this day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 49,596.97, down 0.63% from the previous session. The S&P 500 Index fell 0.38%, and the Nasdaq Index dropped 0.13%.

Iran immediately protested, claiming that the United States had violated the ceasefire agreement. According to Iran’s state-run Press TV, Khatam al-Anbiya, the country's unified military command, issued a statement: "The United States violated the ceasefire agreement by attacking Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and conducting airstrikes on civilian residential areas along the southern coast." The statement continued, "In immediate retaliation, Iranian forces attacked and repelled U.S. warships."

The Iranian parliament also strongly condemned the U.S. attack in a statement. The parliament said, "Today's attacks on the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian islands are a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the United States will pay a harsh price." The statement added, "The root cause of all incidents against Iran is the United States, and in retaliation for these attacks, we will directly target U.S. military bases."

Additionally, Iran is reportedly establishing a new maritime monitoring agency to strengthen control over the Strait of Hormuz. Citing shipping industry sources, CNN reported, "Iran is creating a new government body called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which will monitor vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to impose transit fees."

Regarding the U.S. proposal for an end-of-war agreement conveyed via Pakistan, Iran stated that it is still under review. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement, "The U.S. proposal delivered through Pakistan is under review, and once a final decision is made, it will be conveyed to the Pakistani mediators. The next steps will be determined based on the results of message exchanges." He added, "The Supreme Leader is closely managing all situations, and no action will be taken without his approval."

Despite the U.S. attack, the possibility of an all-out war between the two sides has diminished; however, questions remain about whether the ceasefire will hold if the end-of-war negotiations collapse.

The New York Times (NYT), citing senior Iranian officials, reported, "The United States and Iran are discussing a one-page agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and suspend hostilities for 30 days." However, the report noted that the two parties have yet to reach an agreement on key issues such as the handling of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and the duration of Iran’s suspension of uranium enrichment.

The report added, "Iran has said it agrees to suspend uranium enrichment, but has not yet provided answers on the details, including the suspension period." It warned, "If the agreement fails and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz intensify, the ceasefire implemented since last month could collapse."