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Ship escort operation amid rising tensions, increasing concerns over energy crisis and escalation in the Persian Gulf
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is entering a new phase of tension, as US President Donald Trump announced strikes on Iranian vessels and the United Arab Emirates reported attacks on ships and energy infrastructure. The situation is raising concerns about navigational safety and the impact on the global energy market.
The US president announced that US forces destroyed 7 small Iranian vessels ("fast boats") in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of the "Project Freedom" operation, which aims to escort and remove merchant ships blocked in the area.
"We destroyed seven small, or as they call them, 'fast', craft. That's all they have left," Trump said, adding that helicopters were used in the operation. Iran denied the claims.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated via the X platform that developments in Hormuz show that “there is no military solution to a political crisis.” He also highlighted progress in the talks and Pakistan’s positive role in this process.
Araghchi warned the United States of the risk of being drawn into a difficult situation due to the actions of third actors and made a similar appeal to the United Arab Emirates. He added that “Project Freedom” is in danger of turning into a “dead-end project.”
Washington said that US-flagged warships and merchant ships passed through the Strait on Monday. Tehran called the claims “completely false,” while Iranian forces said they had only fired warning shots at a US warship, a claim the US denied.
The shipping company Maersk announced that its US-flagged ship, the "Alliance Fairfax", managed to leave the Persian Gulf under the escort of US military forces, without incident and with the crew safe.
The company explained that it was offered the opportunity to remove the ship under military protection, as part of the US-led operation.
Attacks on ships and energy infrastructure
The United Arab Emirates and South Korea reported attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Emirati authorities said a tanker belonging to state-owned company Adnoc was hit.
An explosion and fire also occurred at the Fujairah oil pipeline port, injuring three people. According to authorities, air defense systems intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones.
Abu Dhabi called the attacks a "dangerous escalation" and said it reserved the right to respond. Iranian state media reported, however, that Tehran "has no plans to strike the Emirates."
International reactions and impact on energy
International leaders condemned the attacks. French President Emmanuel Macron called them "unjustified and unacceptable," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom would continue to support the defense of partners in the region.
The price of Brent oil exceeded $115 per barrel, rising by more than 5%, due to concerns over global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely closed since February, when the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, while Tehran responded by blocking this strategic sea route, through which about 20% of global oil and gas passes.
Despite the declaration of a ceasefire in early April, shipping remains restricted. Some 20,000 sailors on nearly 2,000 ships remain stranded in the region.
Trump stated that the US has received requests from many countries to release the blocked ships and warned of the use of force if the operation is obstructed.
In Oman, two people were injured after a house was hit in the Bukha area along the Strait of Hormuz coastline, according to state media. Qatar condemned the attack on the Adnoc-linked tanker and called for the “unconditional reopening” of the strait. /Pamphlet/
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