U.S. and Iran exchange strikes as uncertainty grows over Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran have exchanged another round of military strikes as uncertainty continues to grow over the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

(CNN)- The United States and Iran have exchanged another round of military strikes as uncertainty continues to grow over the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

President Donald Trump said Friday the ceasefire with Iran was over but indicated discussions toward a broader agreement would continue.

According to senior U.S. officials, Washington wanted Iran to publicly state that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and that commercial vessels would not be targeted. While the U.S. did not send negotiators to talks in Oman, administration officials had hoped the meetings would produce that commitment.

Instead, tensions escalated after the United States said Iran attacked a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, U.S. forces launched strikes on dozens of Iranian military targets. Tehran later claimed it targeted several U.S. military sites in the region.

U.S. Central Command confirmed Sunday evening that another round of strikes was carried out at President Trump’s direction.

Trump said he believed progress had been made in negotiations before the reported attack on the commercial vessel changed the situation.

Questions also remain over whether the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to shipping. Iranian authorities overseeing the new transit protocol said vessel traffic is not currently possible. However, U.S. Central Command said the waterway remains open to lawful commercial traffic and that American forces are positioned to ensure freedom of navigation despite Iranian threats.

Trump told CNN he believes the Strait of Hormuz remains open.