US, Iran exchange fire near Strait of Hormuz; latest scenario may further undermine trust, complicate phased agreement: Chinese expert

The US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a heightened escalation in tensions. Iran accused the US of violating a ceasefire by attacking two Iranian vessels and conducting airstrikes on civilian areas, while a Chinese expert suggested this is a test of Iran's ability to block the waterway and a pressure tactic for negotiations. However, such actions could further erode Iran's trust in Washington and complicate short-term agreement prospects.