US-Iran war news highlights: Retaliatory strikes against Iran are ‘love tap’, says Trump

US Iran war news LIVE: The United States struck Iranian military targets on Thursday after Tehran's forces attacked three American destroyers that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

This live blog is closed. For more updates, follow here US-Iran war news highlights: US President Donald Trump told ABC News on Thursday that the ceasefire with Iran remained in place and that the retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets are just a “love tap”.

The United States struck Iranian military targets on Thursday after Tehran's forces attacked three American destroyers that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said. Meanwhile, Iran's central military command accused the United States of violating the ceasefire.

After US President Donald Trump announced US's Project Freedom, a mission to escort vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, Reuters reported, citing Chinese media outlet Caixin.

This was the first time a Chinese oil tanker has been attacked, a person with knowledge of the matter told Caixin on Thursday. The unnamed vessel's deck caught fire and the ship was marked "CHINA OWNER & CREW," according to Caixin. It is yet not known if there were any casualties.

The United States and Iran are close to reaching a deal that will end the two-month-long war. Iran is expected to hand over its response to mediators about the US proposal to end the war on Thursday, sources told CNN. This comes after Trump said that the US had “very good talks” with Iran over the past 24 hours.

The proposed agreement is a one-page, 14-point memorandum aimed at ending the war and starting formal talks. Under the plan, Iran may pause nuclear enrichment, while the US could lift sanctions and release billions in frozen funds. Both sides may also ease restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. The deal would begin with a 30-day negotiation period for a broader agreement.

Trump took to Truth Social to share the news, saying if Iran agrees to sign the deal on the terms presented, the “already legendary” Epic Fury operation will end, adding that the blockade will allow the Strait of Hormuz to be open to all. He also warned that if Tehran does not agree, “the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”

Strait of Hormuz update

The crucial waterway continues to be under blockade by the US and Iran. Trump on Wednesday halted his new mission ‘Project Freedom’, a day after its implementation caused hostilities in Hormuz.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called for an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, Macron said he held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed “deep concern” over escalating tensions, including reported strikes on Emirati civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels.

Araghchi - Wang Yi meet

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday. China has assured Iran of continued support during talks in Beijing. Iran said it wants a peaceful solution to ongoing tensions and a fair agreement with the United States while protecting its sovereignty.

A key aim of the visit was to strengthen ties between China and Iran, especially ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Iran also sought assurance that China will continue supporting it diplomatically and economically.