Iran intensified hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday by attacking commercial vessels and setting fire to an oil port in the United Arab Emirates. This escalation follows US President Donald Trump’s directive for naval forces to reopen the strategic waterway under a new initiative named “Project Freedom.”
The US military reported that Iranian forces employed drones, missiles, and small boats to target ships and disrupt navigation through this critical energy corridor. In response, US forces destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted various incoming threats. However, Iran denied these allegations.
South Korea confirmed that one of its merchant ships was struck by an explosion within the strait, while UK maritime authorities reported two vessels were hit near UAE waters. Additionally, the Emirati oil company ADNOC verified that an empty tanker was damaged by drone attacks.
US Central Command communicated with numerous shipping companies over the preceding 12 hours, urging them to continue transiting the strait under American protection. Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that the mission’s objective was to guarantee “safe passage for commercial shipping” and sustain the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies.
Meanwhile, Iran dismissed US assertions that any merchant ships had successfully passed through the strait, maintaining that no such movements occurred. Tehran also issued warnings that foreign military forces approaching the waterway would face targeted actions.
The Strait of Hormuz, responsible for transporting about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments, remains severely disrupted as shipping companies await clearer security assurances amid the ongoing conflict.
