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US military engages Iranian vessels in critical waterway
Tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday after the United States reported striking seven Iranian fast boats, a claim Tehran later disputed. The incident unfolded as Washington launched an operation to escort trapped commercial ships out of the Gulf amid an ongoing blockade.
Conflicting accounts of naval confrontations
President Donald Trump announced the US had targeted Iranian speedboats, stating, "We've shot down seven small boats or, as they like to call them, 'fast' boats. It's all they have left." The US military confirmed helicopters were used in the strikes.
Iranian state media contradicted the claim, reporting that two small cargo vessels were hit instead, resulting in five civilian deaths. Tasnim news agency cited an unnamed military source in its account.
Earlier, Iran accused the US of fabricating reports about American warships transiting the strait, alleging its forces fired warning shots at a US vessel. The US military denied the accusation.
Stranded vessels begin evacuation under US protection
Shipping giant Maersk confirmed one of its US-flagged vessels, the Alliance Fairfax, successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under military escort. The ship had been trapped in the Gulf since late February following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
"The vessel subsequently exited the Persian Gulf accompanied by US military assets."
Maersk statement
Trump described the evacuation effort as "Project Freedom," though Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed it as "Project Deadlock." An estimated 2,000 ships carrying 20,000 seafarers remain stranded due to the blockade.
Attacks on Gulf infrastructure spark international condemnation
The UAE reported a tanker linked to its state oil company Adnoc was struck in the strait, while South Korea confirmed an explosion on one of its anchored vessels. Fujairah's oil port also suffered damage after a fire broke out following an attack, injuring three Indian nationals.
UAE authorities said air defenses intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones. Abu Dhabi labeled the strikes a "dangerous escalation" and reserved the right to respond, though Iran denied targeting the UAE.
Global leaders condemned the attacks. French President Emmanuel Macron called them "unjustified and unacceptable," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged continued support for Gulf partners. Saudi Arabia urged Iran to "respect the principles of good neighborliness."
Oil markets react as blockade disrupts global supply
Brent crude prices surged past $115 a barrel following reports of the Fujairah attack, marking a 5% increase. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, has been largely blocked since February.
Qatar called for the strait's "unconditional reopening," while Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded Tehran return to negotiations, warning that Iran was "holding the region and the world hostage."
Humanitarian concerns grow for trapped seafarers
Trump announced the US would assist stranded vessels as part of "Project Freedom," citing requests from multiple countries. He warned force would be used if the evacuation process was interfered with, though he did not specify how ships would navigate the blocked waterway.
In Oman, two people were injured when a residential building in Bukha was struck on Monday. The incident added to growing concerns about dwindling supplies and the mental health of stranded sailors.
