The United States military on Monday initiated an operation to guide commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway where hundreds of ships have been stranded since the onset of the Iran war. Two American-flagged merchant ships successfully traversed the strait, according to the US military, which also refuted Iranian claims of an attack on a US Navy vessel southeast of the waterway.
UAE Reports Iranian Drone Attack
The United Arab Emirates reported that an Iranian drone sparked a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah, a key pipeline hub used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The attack wounded three Indian nationals. Subsequently, the British military confirmed a cargo ship off the UAE coast was ablaze. The UAE issued its first three missile alerts since the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US took effect nearly four weeks ago.
Iran's Proposal and Ceasefire Status
Iran submitted its latest negotiation proposal to mediators in Pakistan, as reported by state-run IRNA. US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal without detailing its shortcomings. The ceasefire has held for three weeks but remains tenuous.
UN Calls for Freedom of Navigation
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized the need for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, opposing military action. He stated that the UN is assessing US claims that the strait is open and expressed concern over reports of exchanges of fire and missile interceptions by the UAE. Dujarric urged against a return to kinetic activity in the region.
Israel on High Alert
Israel's military is closely monitoring Gulf developments and remains on high alert, though no changes to civilian guidelines are expected, according to a military official.
US Military Response
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, reported that US helicopters sank six Iranian small boats targeting civilian vessels in the strait. He noted that Iran initiated aggressive behavior and that the US is providing a defensive umbrella, including helicopters and fighter planes, to protect commercial shipping. A pathway free of Iranian mines has been cleared.
UAE Condemns Iranian Aggression
The UAE foreign ministry condemned what it termed renewed treacherous Iranian aggression targeting civilian sites, calling for an immediate halt to attacks and reserving the right to respond to protect its sovereignty.
Oil Market Impact
Oil prices climbed amid uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude rising 2% to $110.37 per barrel. The disruption has squeezed global energy supplies and raised prices, as Trump faces midterm elections and aims to lower gas prices.
The US has warned shipping companies of sanctions for paying Iran for transit and enacted a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, turning back 49 commercial ships to deprive Tehran of oil revenue.
