Trump confirms Iranian missile attack on US Navy, urges renewed negotiations to avoid wider war

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Iranian missiles struck American naval assets in the Middle East, describing the incident as causing “great damage” and marking one of the most serious escalations between Washington and Tehran in recent years.

In a televised statement from the White House, Trump said US forces had come under direct attack during ongoing regional tensions near the Gulf, though officials did not immediately provide full details about casualties or the scale of the destruction.

The president condemned the strike but simultaneously renewed calls for a diplomatic agreement to prevent a broader regional conflict.

“We need a deal, and we need it fast,” Trump said, warning that continued escalation could destabilise global security and energy markets.

According to US defence officials, multiple missiles were launched toward American naval positions operating near key shipping routes in the region. The Pentagon stated that air defence systems intercepted several incoming projectiles, though some missiles reportedly reached targeted areas.

Iranian authorities have not fully acknowledged responsibility for the attack but accused the United States of provoking instability through increased military deployments and support for regional allies.

The incident has intensified fears of a wider war in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. International leaders, including officials from Europe and the United Nations, have urged restraint and called for immediate diplomatic talks.

Global financial markets reacted sharply to the development, with oil prices rising and investors moving toward safer assets amid concerns over prolonged instability in the region.

Military analysts say the strike represents a dangerous turning point in already fragile US-Iran relations, increasing pressure on both governments to either pursue negotiations or risk deeper confrontation.