The United Arab Emirates on Monday (May 4th) accused Iran of carrying out its first direct attack since a fragile ceasefire came into effect in early April, sparking fears of renewed conflict in the Gulf region.
The reported attacks come amid rising tensions over US efforts to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil and gas exports.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, Iran fired four cruise missiles towards the country. Officials said three missiles were intercepted, while a fourth fell into the sea.
Authorities in Fujairah said an Iranian drone also hit a large oil facility, sparking a fire that injured three Indian nationals.
Concerns about shipping grow after attacks on vessels
The British Army’s Merchant Marine Operations Center (UKMTO) separately reported that two cargo vessels were on fire off the coast of the UAE.
In another incident, South Korea confirmed an explosion and fire aboard a South Korean ship anchored near the strait. No injuries were reported.
The incidents have heightened concerns among shipping companies and insurance companies, which are already wary of operating in the region after weeks of escalating tensions.
Iran has repeatedly warned that foreign military involvement in the waterway would be considered hostile.
The US is pushing for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
The attacks followed a new US-led naval initiative aimed at restoring commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after months of disruption.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that two US-flagged merchant ships have successfully passed through the strait under maritime protection.
CENTCOM added that the guided-missile destroyers were assisting vessels moving through the Persian Gulf.
US President Donald Trump announced “Project Freedom” on Sunday (May 3) to help stranded merchant vessels and restore normal shipping operations.
Trump has warned Iran against interfering with maritime traffic.
“Iran’s efforts to block them will unfortunately have to be dealt with forcefully,” Trump said.
Iran warns that foreign forces will be targeted
Iran reacted sharply to the American operation, calling it a violation of the ceasefire.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA dismissed the initiative as part of Trump’s “delirium.”
Meanwhile, Iranian military officials warned that foreign military vessels entering or approaching the Strait of Hormuz would face attack.
“We warn that any foreign military force – especially the aggressive US military – that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted,” Iran’s commander, Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, said on state television.
Iran has maintained tight control over the strategic waterway since the conflict intensified earlier this year following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
Oil prices and the global economy under pressure
Renewed instability around the Strait of Hormuz continues to roil global energy markets.
The waterway handles a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, so any disruption is a major concern for countries dependent on energy exports from the Persian Gulf.
Fuel prices have risen globally since Iran effectively cut off access to the strait earlier this year.
The US-led Joint Maritime Information Center warned vessels to travel through Omani waters and avoid traditional routes due to the threat posed by mines and ongoing military activity.
Nuclear talks show little progress
Diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran conflict also appear to have stalled.
Iran has reportedly proposed that the US lift sanctions, end its naval blockade and withdraw forces from the region in exchange for an end to hostilities.
Iranian officials said they were reviewing Washington’s response, although Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei acknowledged that the shift in demands was complicating negotiations.
Trump expressed skepticism over the weekend that Iran’s latest proposal will lead to a breakthrough deal.
