US, Iran Clash in Hormuz Strait

U.S., Iran Exchange Fire Near Hormuz U.S. and Iranian forces engaged in direct military confrontation near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, May 7, following reported explosions and an alleged Iranian attack on a Chinese vessel. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, while transiting the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, intercepted "unprovoked Iranian attacks" and responded with "self-defense strikes."

Iranian state media, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated Tasnim, reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and the Strait of Hormuz, attributing them to potential hostile action from the United Arab Emirates. However, a reporter, citing a senior U.S. official, stated that the U.S. carried out strikes on Bandar Abbas and Qeshm. Iran's military claimed immediate retaliation, inflicting "significant damage" on U.S. military vessels east of the Strait.

The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions, with U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Michael Walz, stating that Iran attacked a Chinese ship.

Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S.

is negotiating with Iran. Separately, Hezbollah launched mortar shells and rockets at Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops in southern Lebanon, with no injuries reported.

The IDF also confirmed killing approximately 20 Hezbollah terrorists and destroying a 30-meter-long tunnel and over 200 structures belonging to the group in southern Lebanon.