US says it struck targets in Iran after attack on warships

https://p.dw.com/p/5DS9P

AdvertisementSkip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

• The US military said it intercepted Iranian attacks on three Navy ships in Strait of Hormuz
• It responded with "self-defense" strikes, US Central Command said
• Iran's state media said Iranian armed forces exchanged fire with "the enemy" on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz
• The attacks came as Iran and US were working with mediators to chalk out a plan to end the conflict

Welcome to DW's coverage of the Iran war and its impact on the wider Middle East and around the world on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Skip next section Trump threatens more strikes on Iran if peace deal isn't signed 'fast'05/08/2026May 8, 2026

Trump threatens more strikes on Iran if peace deal isn't signed 'fast'

Saying that Iran was led by "lunatics," US President Donald Trump threatened to "knock out" the country if it didn't sign a US proposed peace deal fast.

"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 posted on social media. 

https://p.dw.com/p/5DSBDSkip next section Iran accuses US of violating ceasefire 05/08/2026May 8, 2026

Iran accuses US of violating ceasefire

Iran's military gave a different account of the latest exchange of fire between the United States and Iran. 

It says that it targeted the three US Navy ships in retaliation for a US attack on an Iranian oil tanker travelling from Iranian coastal waters toward the Strait of Hormuz. 

This is according to pro-government Press TV, which quoted an Iranian military spokesperson.

It also accused the US of carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas along the coast and on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz with the support of "some regional countries."

Iranian media had earlier speculated about a possible airstrike by the United Arab Emirates, according to German press agency DPA.

The Tasnim news agency wrote: "Should the matter be confirmed, the Emirates will pay the price for their hostile action," DPA said.

Earlier this week, the UAE accused Iran of attacking its oil and gas facilities with a barrage of missiles and drones.

 

https://p.dw.com/p/5DSFRSkip next section Trumps calls strikes against Iran 'just a love tap' in call with ABC 05/08/2026May 8, 2026

Trumps calls strikes against Iran 'just a love tap' in call with ABC

US President Donald Trump has called these latest strikes on Iran a "love tap."

That'saccording to US broadcaster ABC.

"The ceasefire is going. It's in effect," Trump said in a phone call, ABC News said. 

"It's just a love tap."

 

 

https://p.dw.com/p/5DS9YSkip next section US military says it intercepted Iranian attacks on Navy ships05/08/2026May 8, 2026

US military says it intercepted Iranian attacks on Navy ships

The US military has said it intercepted Iranian attacks on three US Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz. 

It responded to the attacks with "self-defense strikes" on "Iranian military facilities" responsible for attacking the ships, US Central Command said in a post on X. 

It said Iran had launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats on the three ships. 

It said the US ships weren't hit.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DS9RSkip next section Reports of several explosions along Iranian coast05/08/2026May 8, 2026

Reports of several explosions along Iranian coast

Iranian media reported several explosions along Iran's Gulf coast, including on an island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Loud blasts were heard near the port city of Bandar Abbas, the Iranian Fars news agency reported.

Iranian state media said the country’s armed forces exchanged fire with "the enemy" on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Home to about 150,000 people, Qeshm is the largest Iranian island in the Persian Gulf and houses a water desalination plant.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DS9SSkip next section Welcome to our coverage05/08/2026May 8, 2026

Welcome to our coverage

Roshni Majumdar Editor

Before reports of the attacks on US Navy ships late Wednesday into Thursday, the fragile ceasefire announced on April 8 had largely held. 

On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry had said it was reviewing a 14-point US peace proposal but hadn't yet "reached a conclusion" nor given a response to the United States. 

US President Donald Trump had earlier said that it had held very good talks with Iran in the past 24 hours. 

Here's where you can catch up on any Iran war developments you might have missed on Wednesday. 

https://p.dw.com/p/5DS9QShow more posts