US, Iran exchange claims over naval attacks amid push for deal

The United States and Iran on Thursday exchanged competing claims over naval clashes near the Strait of Hormuz, even as reports emerged that the two sides were discussing a temporary framework to halt fighting and reopen the strategic waterway.

US President Donald Trump said three US destroyers transiting the strait suffered no damage and warned Tehran to "get their Deal signed, FAST," while Tehran accused the US of violating a ceasefire by attacking two Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas in Hormozgan province and Qeshm Island.

Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Iran's forces retaliated by targeting US military vessels east of the strait and south of Chabahar port, claiming significant damage was inflicted.

Iranian media also reported explosions in several southern cities and in Tehran late Thursday, while the semi-official Mehr news agency said US and Israeli forces had attacked a naval base in Minab County in Hormozgan province early Friday. Local officials said no casualties were reported.

The renewed tensions emerged as Tehran and Washington were reportedly discussing a temporary framework aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to three senior Iranian officials cited by The New York Times, the two sides are considering a one-page agreement that would pause fighting for 30 days while negotiations continue on a broader settlement.

The development was earlier reported by Axios, citing US officials.

Under the reported proposal, the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ships and ports, while Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic. The interim arrangement would also seek to create space for talks on contentious issues including Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief and frozen Iranian assets.

The report said major differences remain over the future of Iran's uranium stockpile and enrichment activities. US negotiators are said to be demanding that Iran hand over highly enriched uranium, close several nuclear facilities and suspend enrichment for 20 years, while Tehran has proposed transferring part of the stockpile to a third country, possibly Russia, and limiting any suspension to 10 to 15 years.