US President Donald Trump announced that the United States launched attacks on seven high-speed Iranian “fast boats” in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington stated the strikes were aimed at freeing ships stuck in the nearly blocked waterway in the Gulf. On Monday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea reported attacks on vessels in the area. Following Iran’s attack, the UAE confirmed a fire at the Fujairah fuel port. Shipping company Maersk told the BBC that one of its US-flagged vessels successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz under US military protection. Trump referred to the US security operation as “Project Freedom.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the incidents there “clearly showed that there is no military solution to the political crisis.” He added, “Project Freedom is a project of deadlock.” Maersk confirmed that one of its commercial ships completed its voyage “without incident, with no harm to crew members, and everyone safe.” Since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February, the Strait of Hormuz has been largely disrupted.
In retaliation, Tehran has blocked the crucial waterway through which 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes. After a ceasefire was declared between the US and Iran in early April, Iran halted drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries including the UAE. However, since then, very few ships have navigated the route. The US has also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Trump stated, “We targeted seven small boats, which they call fast boats. Now, that’s all they have left.”
The US military reportedly used helicopters to attack the boats. Iranian state media later denied Trump’s claim, asserting that US attacks on speed boats did not occur. Citing a military source, Tasnim News Agency reported that two small cargo vessels were attacked, resulting in five civilian deaths. Earlier on Monday, the US announced that its navy and US-flagged commercial ships had safely passed through the waterway.
Iran described the US claim as “completely false,” stating its forces fired warning shots at US warships. The US military denied these allegations. According to Maersk, after US and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February, its US-flagged vessel Alliance Fairfax was stranded in the Gulf. It confirmed that the ship has now been escorted out of the Strait of Hormuz under US military protection. The company stated in a press release, “US military support enabled the ship to exit the Persian Gulf region safely.”
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a tanker associated with its state-owned oil company ADNOC experienced an incident in the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea also reported an explosion on one of its vessels near the UAE. UAE officials revealed they faced 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones. Local authorities reported a major fire following an attack on the main oil port in Fujairah, injuring three people. Abu Dhabi described the attacks as “dangerous escalation” and stated it reserves the right to respond. Iranian state television, citing an unnamed military official, denied any plans to target the UAE.
