Ship attacked in Hormuz Strait as U.S.-Iran ceasefire expiry risks prolonged conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on April 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesA cargo vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency said Tuesday, signaling persisting navigation risks in the waterway as Washington and Tehran harden their positions.The attack caused damage to the engine room and resulted in a crew casualty, the maritime agency said, adding that the remaining crew were being assisted by the Omani Coast Guard. The incident came after an Iranian military official repeated threats that the Islamic state won't back down over the Strait of Hormuz. Fox News reported Tuesday that Ebrahim Zolfaghari, Iranian military spokesperson, said vessels attempting passage through the strait will "find several beautiful holes in their hulls." Washington and Tehran have rejected further talks after the 60-day negotiating ceasefire deal, reached in mid-June aimed at opening space for diplomatic engagement, expired on Monday without a formal follow-on agreement. "Both sides will dig in for a longer stan...