US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said at least 10 sailors have died as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with more than 23,000 civilian sailors stranded in the Persian Gulf. Speaking at a White House press briefing, Rubio described the sailors as "sitting ducks" who are "isolated", "starving", and "vulnerable". He urged Iran to come to the negotiating table and accept terms, warning that the alternative is "growing isolation, economic collapse, and ultimately total defeat."
US Launches 'Project Freedom'
Rubio outlined a new operation called "Project Freedom", in which the US is helping guide stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closed the key shipping route. He stated that about 23,000 civilian sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf and "left for dead" in the strait. "At least 10 sailors have already died as a result," Rubio added.
Iran's Response
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US is pursuing an "impossible" approach to negotiations. "Our problem is that on the one hand, America is pursuing a policy of maximum pressure against our country, and on the other hand, it expects Iran to come to the negotiating table and submit to their unilateral demands. Such an equation is impossible," Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by Iran's state news agency IRNA.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a statement warning vessels not to transit the Strait of Hormuz via routes it has not authorised. "We warn all vessels that intend to transit the strait, the only safe route… is the corridor previously announced by Iran," the statement said. "The diversion of vessels to other routes is unsafe and will face a decisive response from the IRGC Navy."
UAE Under Attack
The UAE said its air defences were working to intercept a fresh wave of "missile and drone attacks" launched from Iran. Officials claim Tehran fired at least a dozen projectiles yesterday, with one hitting a petroleum site in Fujairah and leaving three people injured. The UAE's Ministry of Defence confirmed that "the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of the UAE's air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones."
Ceasefire Holds, Says Hegseth
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted earlier today that the US-Iran ceasefire is still holding despite rising tensions. "Ultimately, this is a separate and distinct project. We expected there would be some churn at the beginning, which happened, and we said we would defend and defend aggressively," Hegseth said. He added that President Donald Trump will decide if any incident represented a violation of the ceasefire. He urged Iran "to be prudent in the actions they take," adding: "Right now the ceasefire certainly holds, but we're going to be watching very, very closely."
US Establishes 'Red, White and Blue Dome'
Hegseth claimed the US has established a 'red, white and blue dome' over the Strait of Hormuz to provide constant surveillance of peaceful commercial vessels. He later added that six Iranian ships were turned around by the US 'iron-clad' blockade. He described Iran's blocking of the strait as a form of 'international extortion' and confirmed that two US commercial ships have safely transited the strait, adding that the 'lane is clear' and that Iran is 'embarrassed'.
Iran Denies US Ships Transited
Iran denied that two US-flagged ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday. However, shipping company Maersk said one of its US-flagged commercial vessels, the Alliance Fairfax, successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under the protection of the US military. Maersk told the BBC that the transit was "completed without incident, and all crew members are safe and unharmed." The ship had been trapped in the Gulf since February.
Pakistan Calls for Restraint
Pakistan's top military leadership has called for restraint to help ease rising tensions between the US and Iran. Since last month, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has been in contact between US and Iranian officials as part of Pakistan's efforts to end the conflict. In a statement, the military said participants reviewed the evolving security environment, adding that lasting peace depends on collective restraint, responsibility, and respect for sovereignty.
India Condemns Attack on UAE
India condemned yesterday's attack on a major oil facility in the UAE which left three of its nationals injured. "Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He added that India stands "in firm solidarity" with the UAE, and that free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was "vital for enduring regional peace."
Jet Fuel Rationing Risk for UK
Britain is at risk of rationing jet fuel due to shortages stemming from the Iran conflict, an expert has claimed. With supplies potentially dropping to "critically low levels", concern has grown for Europe's jet fuel market. Goldman Sachs has said the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created "extreme tightness" in the market, and the UK is especially exposed due to its limited stockpiles, heavy reliance on imports, and constrained refining capacity.
Remote Learning in Dubai
Private schools in Dubai will temporarily switch to remote learning from May 5 until May 8, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced. "This measure is being taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and the wider community, and to maintain continuity of learning in line with approved guidelines," the authority said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Heads to China
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will be heading to Beijing today for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments. China is the top buyer of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, accounting for up to 50% of Iran's crude oil imports, according to the Columbia University Centre on Global Energy Policy. Beijing has previously called for the safe passage of commercial ships through the shipping route to be maintained.
