Renewed attacks in the Gulf region have heightened tensions after U.S. efforts to reopen a key global oil route.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United Arab Emirates said Monday it was targeted by Iranian attacks for the first time since a ceasefire began earlier this spring, as the United States moved forward with a plan to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Emirati defense officials, four cruise missiles were launched, with three intercepted and another landing in the sea. Authorities in Fujairah reported that a drone strike ignited a fire at a major oil installation, while British military monitors said two cargo ships were seen burning off the UAE coast.
The escalation followed confirmation from U.S. military officials that two American-flagged merchant vessels successfully passed through the strait under a newly launched initiative aimed at restoring commercial navigation. The effort comes after months of disruption in the narrow passage, which has been effectively controlled by Iran since the conflict intensified earlier this year.
The strait, a vital artery for global energy shipments, has seen traffic severely curtailed, contributing to rising fuel prices and economic strain worldwide. In response, the U.S.-led Joint Maritime Information Center has advised vessels to transit through nearby Omani waters within an “enhanced security area.”
Additional incidents were reported involving a South Korean-operated vessel anchored near the UAE, where an explosion and fire broke out. No injuries were reported, and officials have not confirmed whether it was among the ships previously reported ablaze.
Iran has criticized the U.S. effort, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire that has held for several weeks. Iranian military officials warned that any foreign forces entering or approaching the strait could be targeted. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi said vessels transiting the waterway must coordinate with Iranian authorities, cautioning against foreign military presence.
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command said the merchant ships completed their passage safely and that Navy guided-missile destroyers in the Persian Gulf were assisting in maintaining open transit routes. The command added that U.S. naval vessels had also navigated the strait, though specific timelines were not disclosed.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. would continue escorting vessels through the waterway, warning that any attempts by Iran to block access would be addressed decisively. He described the initiative, referred to as “Project Freedom,” as a humanitarian effort to assist hundreds of ships stranded in the region since hostilities began.
Iranian state media dismissed the operation, while reports from outlets including Fars and ILNA claimed Iranian forces struck a U.S. vessel near one of its ports, forcing it to retreat. U.S. Central Command denied that any Navy ships had been hit.
The disruption has strained countries dependent on Persian Gulf energy exports, particularly in Europe and Asia, as shipping companies weigh the risks of navigating the contested waters. Maritime officials have warned that hazards remain, including potential naval mines and ongoing military activity.
The U.S. has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports since mid-April, turning away dozens of commercial vessels and limiting Tehran’s oil exports. American officials have indicated the pressure campaign is intended to influence negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional issues.
Iran has submitted a proposal seeking sanctions relief, an end to the blockade, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region. Officials in Tehran said discussions are ongoing, though they acknowledged that shifting demands have complicated diplomatic progress.
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