Iran attacks oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz despite ceasefire

Fresh attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz are testing the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

(NBC)- Fresh attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz are testing the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran as violence in the region continues escalating.

According to United States Central Command, Iranian forces targeted U.S.-flagged oil tankers using drones, missiles and small attack boats.

The military says American attack helicopters responded and prevented any successful strikes, adding that no U.S. vessels were hit.

Donald Trump downplayed Iran’s naval capabilities during remarks Monday, describing the boats as small and lightly armed.

“We knocked out eight of them today,” Trump said.

The attacks come as the U.S. Navy continues implementing the president’s new “Project Freedom” initiative, which is designed to escort commercial ships safely through the strategic waterway.

CENTCOM says two U.S.-flagged vessels successfully traveled through the Strait of Hormuz Monday under military protection.

The ongoing instability is now hitting American consumers as energy prices continue climbing.

Gas prices nationwide have risen more than 30 cents in the past week as shipping through the critical oil route remains disrupted.

Drivers across the country say the higher prices are straining household budgets.

“It used to be like $35 a tank, now it’s about $55,” one Chicago driver said.

Others on fixed incomes say the rapid increases are becoming difficult to manage.

Small businesses are also feeling the impact.

A floral shop manager said rising fuel costs are causing delivery drivers to quit ahead of the busy Mother’s Day season.

“They see the impact when they fill up their tanks,” said Scott Ellingboe of Surroundings Events and Floral.

Despite the economic strain, Trump continues defending the U.S. strategy and says prices will eventually fall once the conflict ends.

The latest tensions intensified further after Iran allegedly launched additional drones and missiles targeting the United Arab Emirates, a key U.S. ally in the region.

UAE officials say air defense systems intercepted the incoming attacks.