Conflicting Statements Resurface: Iran Strikes U.S. Ship, U.S. Attacks Iranian Oil Tanker and Airstrikes Coastal Areas

On May 7 local time, Iran activated air defense systems in multiple locations and shot down "hostile aircraft." The Iranian armed forces claimed that U.S. military forces attacked oil tankers and conducted airstrikes in coastal areas, and Iran retaliated against U.S. military vessels, claiming to have caused "significant losses." The U.S. Central Command stated that it conducted targeted strikes on Iranian military facilities, and the regional situation remains highly tense.

Previously, multiple sources indicated that the U.S. and Iran might be close to reaching a temporary agreement, but the core concerns of the U.S. were not included, and the draft was only a one-page memorandum rather than a comprehensive peace agreement.

The U.S. military conducts targeted strikes on Iranian military facilities

Iran claims to have caused "significant losses" to U.S. naval vessels

Iranian armed forces: U.S. military attacked oil tankers and conducted airstrikes in coastal areas

In the early hours of May 8 local time, a spokesperson for the Central Command of the Iranian armed forces, Khatam al-Anbiya, issued a statement claiming that U.S. forces violated the ceasefire agreement by attacking an oil tanker sailing from the coastal waters of Jask, Iran, towards the Strait of Hormuz, as well as another vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz opposite the port of Fujairah in the UAE.

The statement also claimed that the U.S. collaborated with certain regional countries to launch airstrikes on civilian areas along the coasts of Iran's Hormozgan, Sirik, and Qeshm islands. The spokesperson emphasized that Iran would respond to any acts of aggression.

The commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated that the counterattack involved various ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drones targeting relevant objectives, and claimed to have used high-explosive warheads to attack "enemy destroyers."

The statement indicated that intelligence showed U.S. vessels suffered "significant losses," and three vessels quickly withdrew from the Strait of Hormuz area.

Iran's air defense forces shot down "hostile aircraft" over Abbas Port and Qeshm Island

On the night of May 7, air defense systems were activated in western Tehran to respond to several small aircraft. Additionally, Iranian air defense forces shot down two "hostile aircraft" over Abbas Port in the south and Qeshm Island.

According to reports from the Iranian Fars News Agency, an explosion occurred near Abbas Port in Iran on the same day, with some commercial facilities in the nearby dock area being hit during the exchange of fire between Iranian armed forces and the enemy.

An Israeli government source stated in an interview that Israel was not involved in this incident.

U.S. Central Command: Targeted strikes on Iranian military facilities

On May 7 local time, U.S. Central Command issued a statement indicating that a U.S. Navy missile destroyer task force intercepted an unprovoked attack initiated by Iran while transiting the Strait of Hormuz towards the Gulf of Oman and immediately took defensive countermeasures.

The statement noted that when the USS "Truxtun," USS "Rafael Peralta," and USS "Mason" were transiting this international maritime passage, Iranian forces launched multiple missiles and deployed drones and small boats. U.S. assets were not hit. U.S. Central Command neutralized the incoming threat and conducted targeted strikes on Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces, including missile and drone launch sites, command and control centers, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance nodes.

The statement emphasized that U.S. Central Command does not seek to escalate the situation but will always maintain readiness and be prepared to defend U.S. forces.

U.S. officials say U.S. strikes on Iran do not mean a resumption of war

On May 7 local time, a CCTV reporter learned that a senior U.S. official stated that U.S. forces had just conducted strikes on Qeshm Port and Abbas Port in Iran.

This official stated that the strikes do not mean a resumption of war, nor do they signify the end of the ceasefire agreement announced on April 7.

U.S. and Iran may be close to reaching a temporary agreement

U.S. core concerns have been set aside

Multiple sources indicated on May 7 that the U.S. and Iran might be close to reaching a temporary agreement. Several core demands previously put forward by the U.S., such as Iran suspending nuclear activities, limiting missile programs, and stopping support for so-called "regional proxies," were not included in the agreement draft.

It is understood that this still-developing agreement centers around a short-term memorandum of only one page, rather than a comprehensive peace agreement. This reflects the profound differences between the two sides and indicates that the agreement is merely a transitional step. Informed officials stated that Iran is reviewing this draft aimed at stopping hostilities but leaving the most contentious issues to be resolved later.

According to sources and officials, the agreement will include three phases: first, formally ending hostilities; second, resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis; and finally, initiating a 30-day negotiation window to strive for a broader agreement.

The agreement fails to address key U.S. demands such as Iran suspending nuclear activities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the agreement does not mention several demands previously made by the U.S. that were rejected by Iran, such as limiting Iran's missile program and requiring Iran to stop supporting so-called "proxy armed groups" like Hezbollah.

The U.S. is seeking to restart the "Freedom Plan"

Iran designates two shipping lanes for vessels to pass

The Trump administration is seeking to restart the "Freedom Plan," which could be implemented as early as this week

On May 7 local time, a CCTV reporter learned that U.S. officials stated that the Trump administration is currently seeking to restart the "Freedom Plan" operation, which utilizes naval and air power to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The specific timing for the restart is still unclear, but the timeline provided by Defense Department officials indicates that it could be as early as this week.

The U.S. military operation aimed at forcibly opening the Strait relies on a large fleet to protect commercial vessels from Iranian missile and drone attacks, making military bases and airspace in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait crucial for the successful implementation of this operation. U.S. and Saudi officials revealed that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted previous restrictions on U.S. military use of their bases and airspace. This move eliminates a significant obstacle that had hindered the Trump administration's efforts to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran designates two shipping lanes for vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

According to Iranian sources on May 7, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has designated two shipping lanes for vessels to pass, and vessels are still prohibited from transiting the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian permission.

Iran claims the Supreme Leader has full control over the situation

No uranium has been transferred out of Iran

Iran: No response has been made to the U.S. proposal

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on May 7 that Iran has not reached a conclusion regarding the proposal put forward by the U.S. and has not responded to the U.S.

The spokesperson stated that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has comprehensive control over current affairs and the development of the situation. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is managing the relevant matters in a decisive, strong, and prudent manner, with all actions carried out under his authorization, and national institutions maintaining coordination under his leadership.

The spokesperson also stated that the hostile side is attempting to create division and opposition within Iran through the manufacture of public opinion and psychological warfare, and all parties should remain vigilant to avoid being exploited by such actions.

Additionally, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that he recently met with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Raisi noted that the atmosphere of the meeting was friendly, and the two sides communicated for nearly two and a half hours.

Iranian officials: No uranium has been transferred out of Iran

On May 7 local time, Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly member Behnam Saidi stated that no uranium has been transferred out of Iran.

Behnam Saidi stated that the rights to uranium enrichment, complete lifting of sanctions, and release of national assets are non-negotiable red lines.

Behnam Saidi also stated that the U.S. claim of "400 kilograms of uranium being transported out of Iran" is purely "political boasting and a complete lie," and that no uranium has been transferred out of the country.