Project Freedom Begins
The U.S. military engaged Iranian forces and eliminated six small boats on Monday while working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates reported that Iran fired missiles and drones toward its territory. These events follow President Trump's announcement of "Project Freedom," an initiative to guide ships through the strait.
Military Engagement
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, stated that Iran launched cruise missiles and drones at both U.S. military ships and commercial vessels. U.S. forces eliminated six Iranian small boats, some by military helicopters, according to Cooper. The U.S. military said two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited the strait.
Iranian Response
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied that any ships had passed through the strait. They stated that any maritime activity contradicting the IRGC Navy's principles would "face serious risks" and be stopped by force. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, threatened retaliation for Trump's move, warning that any American interference would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
Attacks on the UAE
The United Arab Emirates Defense Ministry reported intercepting three cruise missiles coming from Iran, with a fourth falling into the sea. A government media office in Fujairah said a drone struck a fuel facility, starting a fire. The U.K.'s maritime operations center received reports of a fire in the engine room of a cargo vessel off of Dubai, and of a second vessel on fire off the coast of the UAE. Three Indian nationals were mildly injured and taken to a hospital after the drone strike in Fujairah.
Diplomatic Efforts
The U.S. intends to propose a UN Security Council resolution to condemn Iran's laying of sea mines and establishment of "toll booths" in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior administration official said the resolution aims to give other countries diplomatic cover to help de-mine the strait and open it to shipping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News the U.S. military has "absolute control" of the waterway.
Global Impact
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused a spike in worldwide fuel prices and has rattled the global economy. The UAE condemned what it called "renewed treacherous Iranian aggression" and called for an immediate halt to the attacks. Commercial planes bound for the UAE turned around midair.
Regional Concerns
In Oman, authorities reported that a residential building near the strait "was targeted," resulting in two foreign workers wounded and four vehicles damaged. The South Korean government said an explosion and fire broke out aboard a South Korean-operated ship anchored in the strait off the UAE. Trump said that Iran had "taken some shot" at a South Korean cargo ship.
Future Actions
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine will brief reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday regarding the conflict. The U.S. has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions for paying Iran for transit of the strait. The U.S. has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, telling at least 49 commercial ships to turn back.
With tensions escalating, the world's shipping industry is questioning whether vessels will be able to travel safely to and from the Gulf.
For example, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) specifically stated that any maritime activity contradicting its Navy's principles would be stopped by force, emphasizing their control over the strait.