Tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz despite extended ceasefire

The incident comes just hours after Donald Trump announced he would extend the ceasefire deadline.

(NBC)- New tensions are flaring in the Strait of Hormuz after a reported attack on a commercial vessel, raising concerns about the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

A U.K. maritime agency says an Iranian gunboat attacked a container ship overnight, causing heavy damage. Officials say the crew was not injured.

The incident comes just hours after Donald Trump announced he would extend the ceasefire deadline, giving Iran more time to present a unified proposal.

“I want to make a great deal,” Trump said earlier in the day.

The White House had initially signaled that JD Vance would lead a new round of peace talks in Pakistan. But those negotiations have now been called off after Iran declined to participate.

Before extending the ceasefire, Trump made clear military action remained an option.

“I expect to be bombing… the military is raring to go,” he said.

The U.S. is continuing its blockade of Iranian ports, which Trump says is putting financial pressure on Iran and aimed at reopening key shipping lanes.

Iran, however, says the blockade violates the ceasefire and has refused to negotiate unless it is lifted.

Meanwhile, U.S. forces have expanded operations, boarding an Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean—just days after seizing another vessel the president suggested may have ties to China.

“I thought I had an understanding with President Xi,” Trump said, referencing Xi Jinping.

New intelligence assessments indicate that while Iran’s military has been weakened, it still retains significant capabilities, including thousands of missiles and attack drones.