As global observers await signs of diplomatic headway between the U.S. and Iran, U.S. fighter jets struck Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday as part of the persistent U.S. blockade.

At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his trip to Rome, calling on Europe to step up efforts to reopen the crucial strait.

Nick Schifrin brings the day's key updates.

Amna Nawaz:

The U.S. and international community are on edge for any diplomatic movement between the U.S. and Iran, but today U.S. fighter jets hit Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz within the framework of the U.S. blockade.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, still in Rome, pushed European nations to contribute more toward clearing the strait.

Nick Schifrin has details on today's actions.

Nick Schifrin:

Caught on video in the Strait of Hormuz: an American fighter jet crippling an Iranian tanker by hitting its smokestack. F-18s hit two vacant Iranian tankers today, with the U.S. claiming they attempted to breach the blockade toward Iranian ports.

The strait remains a battleground between the U.S. and Iran, straining the fragile cease-fire. Overnight, Iran launched missiles at U.S. warships passing through, per Iranian military footage. The U.S. countered by targeting Iranian speedboats, missile launch points, and military positions on shore in at least three spots.

President Donald Trump:

They messed with us today. We took them out. They messed around. They call that messing around.

Nick Schifrin:

After touring the emptied Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool by car last night, President Trump again warned Iran to agree to terms or face consequences.

Donald Trump:

If there's no cease-fire, you won't need details. You'll see one massive glow from Iran, and they better sign quickly.

Nick Schifrin:

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated today that such warnings hinder agreements.

He posted: "Whenever diplomacy nears, the U.S. chooses risky military moves. Iranians resist pressure, and talks suffer."

Current negotiations center on a memorandum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, limit Iran's nuclear activities, end U.S. sanctions, and release frozen Iranian funds.

Marco Rubio:

We anticipate their reply sometime today. Their leadership remains divided and inefficient, which could delay things. I hope for a genuine proposal.

Nick Schifrin:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Rome to address Iran tensions and the growing divide with Europe over early refusals to host U.S. bases for strikes on Iran.

Marco Rubio:

A core NATO benefit for the U.S. is basing troops in Europe for global responses. Now some allies block that for certain operations. This issue demands review.

Nick Schifrin:

Tensions boiled over last week when President Trump ordered a pullout of at least 5,000 troops from Germany, reacting to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's remarks:

Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor (through interpreter):

The Iranian regime, particularly the Revolutionary Guards, shames an entire nation.

Nick Schifrin:

Rubio projected unity today with upbeat comments on his discussions. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted enduring ties.

Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister (through interpreter):

Europe requires America. Italy requires America. Yet America and Europe, including Italy, need each other.

Nick Schifrin:

Europe is crafting a post-war strategy to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but for now roughly 1,600 vessels remain trapped there, hoping for negotiation advances.

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Nick Schifrin.