President Donald Trump made it clear Thursday that America is not backing down after Iranian forces launched attacks against U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz — but he also emphasized that the ceasefire remains in place despite the confrontation.
Speaking with ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott, Trump described the American retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets as nothing more than a “love tap,” signaling that the U.S. response was measured compared to what could come next if Tehran continues testing American resolve.
When asked whether the strikes meant the ceasefire was over, Trump reportedly responded: “No, no, the ceasefire is going. It’s in effect.”
Earlier Thursday, U.S. Central Command announced that American forces had carried out defensive strikes after Iranian forces launched missiles, drones, and small boats at three U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers — the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason — while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman.
According to CENTCOM, no U.S. assets were hit during the attack.
“U.S. forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes,” CENTCOM stated on X, adding that American forces targeted missile launch sites, drone facilities, command-and-control centers, and intelligence infrastructure tied to the assault.
Trump later celebrated the successful mission on Truth Social, saying the Navy destroyers completed their transit “very successfully” while under fire and claimed the Iranian attackers were “completely destroyed.”
Meanwhile, Iran accused the United States of violating the ceasefire, claiming American strikes targeted ships near the Strait of Hormuz and hit civilian areas along parts of Iran’s coastline. Iranian state media quoted military officials alleging that an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel near the Emirati port of Fujairah were attacked.
Tehran also claimed the U.S., alongside regional allies, carried out airstrikes near Bandar Khamir, Sirik, and Qeshm Island.
CENTCOM rejected accusations of escalation, stressing that the operation was strictly defensive and intended to protect American forces and international shipping lanes.
“CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces,” the military command said.
Trump, however, made it crystal clear that patience with Iran is running thin. In a fiery Truth Social post, he warned Tehran that if it refuses to sign a U.S.-backed peace agreement quickly, future responses will be far harsher.
“They are led by LUNATICS, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question,” Trump wrote. “But they’ll never have that opportunity.”
He added that if Iran fails to cooperate, the United States will respond “a lot harder, and a lot more violently” next time.
For years, weak foreign policy allowed Iran to push boundaries with little consequence. Under Trump, however, the message is simple: America will defend its forces, protect global shipping routes, and respond immediately when attacked. And unlike previous administrations, this White House is making it clear that peace only works when backed by strength.