Trump: Iranians agreed to a 'deal' then targeted a ship

US President Donald Trump affirmed that the “Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial navigation,” a stance also confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM). In telephone remarks to NBC News, Trump stated that he had ordered a “very strong” strike against Iran the previous night in response to its attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the United States and Iran were on the verge of reaching an “agreement” on Saturday. “They were about to concede everything, but suddenly, two hours later, they targeted a ship with a drone. These people are suffering from some kind of malfunction,” he said.

For its part, CENTCOM declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all ships seeking to legally transit this international waterway. The command emphasized that US forces are deployed and on high alert to ensure the continued freedom of navigation, despite unjustified Iranian practices characterized by aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations. It reiterated that Iran does not control the strait and that navigation is proceeding normally.

Earlier, CENTCOM announced at dawn that it had completed a third round of strikes against Iran to hold Iranian forces accountable for attacking another commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The command stated that US forces targeted approximately 140 Iranian military targets using precision-guided munitions launched from fighter aircraft operating from land and sea, as well as drones and naval vessels. The targets included sites for Iranian missiles and drones, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance positions.

In a statement, CENTCOM added that over three nights of strikes this week, more than 300 targets were hit under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, with the aim of undermining Iran’s ability to attack civilian sailors and commercial ships freely transiting the strait.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the United States and Iran on Sunday to follow a de-escalation path and exercise restraint, in accordance with the understanding reached in an Islamabad memorandum of understanding in June 2026, according to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry stated in a press release that Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which they exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. The statement added that Dar emphasized that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means to resolve conflicts and achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.”

Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability, the ministry said.