The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh attacks in the Gulf, escalating tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz and undermining an already fragile ceasefire.
Missiles and drones were launched after US President Donald Trump announced a new initiative, “Project Freedom,” aimed at helping stranded tankers and commercial vessels pass through the strategic waterway-a vital route for global energy trade that has largely remained closed since the conflict began.
The conflict, which began in February between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, has claimed thousands of lives across the region. According to reports, five civilians were killed in US strikes on cargo vessels, after Washington said it had destroyed six small Iranian military boats.
Meanwhile, Iranian missile attacks set an oil port in the United Arab Emirates-home to a major US military base-on fire. For weeks, the US Navy has enforced a maritime blockade on Iran, which Tehran has condemned as an act of war.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, said the latest developments show there is no military solution to the crisis. He noted that peace talks are ongoing, while cautioning the US and the UAE against deeper involvement in the conflict.
Despite the tensions, the US military said two American merchant ships successfully transited the strait under the protection of Navy guided-missile destroyers, a claim Iran disputed. A ceasefire had come into effect on the 8th of last month, followed by negotiations between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad, though the talks ended without an agreement.