US and Iran Exchange Fire in Strait of Hormuz Overnight — US Conducts Additional 'Self-Defense' Strikes; Iran Calls It Ceasefire Violation — Day 70

US and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz overnight during the night of May 7–8, 2026 — Day 70 — as the fragile nominal ceasefire continued to fray. US forces conducted additional 'self-defense' strikes against Iranian targets in or near the strait following Iranian fire. Iran's Foreign Ministry called the US strikes 'a clear violation' of the April 8 ceasefire and stated Iran 'will never bow to pressure.' Trump insisted the ceasefire was 'still in effect' despite the exchanges, arguing the US actions were defensive responses to Iranian aggression. UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) reported attacks on two ships in the region during the May 8 period, consistent with the elevated threat environment. Approximately 1,600 ships remained stranded in and near the strait, with nearly 23,000 sailors from 87 countries trapped in the Persian Gulf — the human cost of the blockade now approaching 70 days. The overnight exchange demonstrated that even as both sides talked, military escalation remained an ever-present risk.