Iran Says U.S. ‘Crossed The Point Of No Return’ After Latest Clash In Strait Of Hormuz

Iran said the U.S. “crossed the point of no return” following the latest clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, while President Donald Trump claims the ceasefire is still in effect.

Concretely, Iran’s central military command, the Khatam Al-Anbiya headquarters, said Washington struck ports in the key waterway, leading Tehran to retaliate by launching attacks against U.S. ships.

Tehran said the strikes caused “severe and substantial damage,” in contrast with the U.S.’s claim that ships were not harmed.

The countries are also giving contrasting statements about the gravity of the clashes. Trump told ABC News they were “just a love tap.”

He also said in a social media publication that three destroyers transited through the Strait of Hormuz under fire.

“There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers. They were completely destroyed along with numerous small boats, which are being used to take the place of their fully decapitated Navy,” Trump said.

“A normal Country would have allowed these Destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal Country. They are led by LUNATICS, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question — But they’ll never have that opportunity and, just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!” he added.

Trump also addressed developments while speaking to reporters on Thursday, saying a deal “might not happen, but it could happen any day.” “I believe they want the deal more than I do,” he said.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) noted that it struck Iranian launch sites, command centers and intelligence nodes as a result of the attacks. CENTCOM said it “does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.”

In contrast, Iran said it will “respond powerfully and without the slightest hesitation to any attack.” Tehran also fired at the United Arab Emirates, which said its air defense systems were activated as a result of drone and missile launches.

“Sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones,” the country’s defense ministry said in a statement.