The United States and Iran exchanged fire near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, escalating tensions in the region and casting doubt on the stability of an existing ceasefire. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the exchanges occurred as three U.S. military destroyers transited the strait, and that Iranian attackers and numerous small boats were destroyed, with no damage to American vessels. A cargo ship was also reported on fire off Qatar's coast after being struck in the area.

On Friday, U.S. Central Command said it had fired on two additional tankers it alleged were violating its blockade of Iranian ports. The United Arab Emirates, a key Gulf ally of the United States, separately said it was responding to a missile and drone attack. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Friday that the U.S. was awaiting a response from Iran, expressing hope that any reply could lead to "a serious process of negotiation."

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply previously transited before the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Feb. 28, has seen no ship traffic for two consecutive days, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Trump told NBC News on Friday that the U.S. effectively controls the waterway, adding that no vessels are entering Iranian ports and that Iran is under severe economic pressure from the blockade.

In the NBC News interview, Trump said the conflict was not over, stating, "It's over when it's over," while noting that negotiations over Iran's nuclear program are ongoing and that a deal is close on multiple issues. He also raised the prospect of more drastic action, saying, "There is another concept: Demolish the country and keep the oil," though he suggested he did not believe American public opinion would support such a move. The remarks underscored the uncertain trajectory of both military operations and diplomatic efforts in the region.