President Donald Trump accused Iran on Friday of a "foolish violation" of its truce with Washington following an attack on a cargo ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which involved a projectile striking the vessel, resulted in no reported casualties but prompted the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) to halt the planned evacuation of over 11,000 sailors stranded in the critical waterway.
Trump stated on the social platform Truth Social that Iran had launched at least four drones at ships, with one projectile hitting a "large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship." He noted that while three drones were intercepted, the fourth caused damage to the ship's upper deck. He added that the vessel was "able to proceed on its way."
The ship's owner, Evergreen, confirmed that the Singapore-flagged vessel, identified as the Ever Lovely, sustained limited damage and that all crew members, cargo, and the vessel itself were safe. The ship had been following the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) recommended route through the strait when it was struck approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman's port of Dahit, according to UKMTO.
Iranian state media has reported on Trump's remarks and, while not issuing a direct response, has highlighted assertions from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC had previously warned that attempts to cross the strait along the IMO-designated route would be "unacceptable and completely dangerous" and vessels should coordinate with Iran. Iranian state media also reiterated claims that the strait is Iranian territory.