US, Iran exchange fresh attacks as Hormuz tensions escalate

TEHRAN/DUBAI: The United States and Iran launched fresh attacks in the Gulf on Tuesday, intensifying their standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz and shaking a fragile ceasefire in the region.

The exchange of missile and drone strikes came as US President Donald Trump announced a new initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom”, aimed at escorting stranded commercial vessels through the strategic waterway — a key global energy route that has remained largely disrupted since the conflict escalated earlier this year.

Explosions and fires were reported on several merchant ships in the Gulf, while the United States said it had destroyed six small Iranian military boats. Meanwhile, an oil facility in the United Arab Emirates was set ablaze following reported Iranian missile strikes.

Washington’s move marked its first apparent attempt to use military force to reopen the shipping corridor since a ceasefire was announced last month. However, the effort appeared to yield limited results, with major shipping companies reluctant to resume transit amid ongoing hostilities.

Iran warned that any attempt to bypass its control of the waterway would provoke a strong response. The country’s leadership has repeatedly said that navigation through the strait cannot proceed without its approval.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the latest developments underscored that there was no military solution to the crisis. He added that diplomatic efforts, including mediation by Pakistan, were ongoing, while cautioning regional states against being drawn further into the conflict.

Despite the tensions, the US military said two merchant vessels had successfully passed through the strait under naval escort, although Iran denied that any such crossings had taken place.

Separate incidents added to the uncertainty. South Korea reported that one of its vessels suffered an onboard fire while transiting the area, though the cause remained unclear. British maritime authorities also reported that two ships had been hit off the UAE coast.

Iran later released a map claiming an expanded zone of maritime control extending beyond the strait, including parts of the UAE coastline.

The UAE condemned the attacks, calling them a dangerous escalation, and said it reserved the right to respond. Authorities in Fujairah — a key oil export hub — reported a fire at an oil installation following a drone strike. Schools in affected areas were shifted to remote learning as a precaution.

Oil prices surged more than five per cent amid the escalating tensions, reflecting fears of disruption to global energy supplies.

Iran also warned commercial shipping to coordinate with its military before entering the region, saying foreign forces attempting to approach the strait could be targeted.

Although both sides agreed to halt large-scale attacks weeks ago, efforts to revive formal peace talks have stalled. Iran has said the United States recently responded to a proposal via Pakistan, but details remain unclear.

Analysts say the continued uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz — through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes — poses a major risk to global markets, with prolonged disruption likely to impact energy prices and trade flows worldwide.