Trump brands Iran’s leaders ‘lunatics’ after attacks on US warships in strait

Three US destroyers successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz under attack from Iranian missiles, drones, and small boats, with all threats intercepted and no damage reported. The US military responded by striking Iranian military facilities, including launch sites and command centers, while emphasizing it did not seek escalation but remained prepared to defend its forces. Donald Trump accused Iran’s leadership of being ‘lunatics’ and threatened harsher retaliation if Tehran did not sign a ceasefire deal quickly. He claimed Iranian attackers were ‘completely destroyed,’ including small boats replacing their ‘fully decapitated Navy.’ Iran’s state media confirmed exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting tensions in the fragile two-month ceasefire. The US proposed an interim ceasefire plan, leaving unresolved issues like Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran is reviewing. Trump stated the ceasefire was holding despite the violence, warning Iran of ‘a lot of pain’ if no deal was reached. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad was mediating continuously to extend the ceasefire, while the US and Gulf allies sought UN backing for sanctions against Iran’s control of the strait, facing potential vetoes from Russia and China. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas supply route, was previously open before US and Israeli strikes in late February prompted Iran to restrict shipping, causing global energy price spikes. The US briefly paused a naval mission to reopen the strait due to progress in peace talks, though Saudi Arabia reportedly opposed the operation. Iran has since established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to tax and approve vessels, raising concerns over future navigation freedom. The conflict has disrupted global shipping, with Iran’s blockade and the US-imposed port restrictions creating a stand-off. Trump cited ‘great progress’ in talks as justification for pausing the naval mission, but tensions remain high amid Iran’s aggressive actions and the US’s firm stance on defense.