The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is entering a new phase of tension, with Donald Trump announcing strikes against Iranian vessels and the United Arab Emirates denouncing attacks on ships and energy infrastructure, intensifying concerns about the safety of navigation and the global energy market.
The US president said that US forces destroyed seven Iranian "speedboats" in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of the "Project Freedom" operation, aimed at escorting and removing merchant ships stranded in the area.
"We shot down seven small boats or, as they call them, 'fast' boats. They are all they have left," he said, adding that helicopters were used in the operations. Iran has denied that such attacks took place.
Ceasefire on the verge of collapse: US hits Iranian speedboats in Hormuz, Iran strikes oil facilities in UAE
For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated via X that developments in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate that "there is no military solution to a political crisis."
At the same time, he referred to the progress being made in the talks, highlighting the role of Pakistan, which – as he said – is contributing positively to the process. He issued a warning to the United States, emphasizing the risk of being involved again in a “deadlock” due to the actions of third parties, while he made a similar recommendation to the United Arab Emirates.
In closing, he emphasized that the "Freedom Plan" ends up turning into a "Dead End Plan."
Conflicting versions of the events
Washington claimed that US-flagged naval destroyers and merchant ships passed through the Strait on Monday, but Tehran called the claims "completely false", with the Iranian armed forces saying they had limited themselves to warning shots at a US warship - something the US also denied.
The shipping company Maersk announced that its US-flagged ship, the Alliance Fairfax, managed to exit the Persian Gulf with the escort of US military forces, without any problems and with the crew safe.
The company said it was offered the option of removing the ship under military protection, as part of the operation promoted by Washington.
Attacks on ships and energy infrastructure
The United Arab Emirates and South Korea reported attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, UAE authorities said a tanker linked to state-owned Adnoc was hit, while an explosion and fire broke out at the oil port of Fujairah, injuring three people.
Authorities said air defense systems were activated, intercepting 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, while Iranian state media reported that Tehran "does not plan to target the UAE."
International reactions and energy implications
International leaders condemned the attacks, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling them "unjustified and unacceptable," and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying his country would continue to support the defense of its Gulf partners.
The price of Brent oil exceeded $115 a barrel, recording a rise of more than 5%, amid concerns about the security of energy supply.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely closed since February, when the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, with Tehran responding by blocking passage through this strategic sea route, through which about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas is transported.
Despite the announcement of a ceasefire in early April, shipping remains restricted, while approximately 20.000 sailors on 2.000 ships remain stranded in the area.
Trump said the US was receiving requests from many countries to release ships that "remain trapped," warning that force would be used if the operation was obstructed.
In Oman, two people were injured when a house was hit in the Buha area, along the coastline of the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media.
Qatar condemned the attack on a tanker linked to Adnoc and called for the "unconditional reopening" of the Straits.
Source: protothema.gr
