The United States said on Monday (May 4th) that its forces destroyed six Iranian boats and intercepted missiles and drones fired by Tehran during a tense standoff in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most serious escalations since a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran took effect last month.
The incidents unfolded as U.S. forces launched “Project Freedom,” a military-backed effort aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military says merchant vessels are protected
This was stated by Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). US helicopters hit six Iranian boats that threatened civilian shipping.
“US Apache and Seahawk helicopters struck six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping,” Cooper told reporters.
He added that US forces have also intercepted all missiles and drones fired at both US Navy ships and merchant vessels.
“We defended both ourselves and, in accordance with our commitment, we defended all commercial ships,” Cooper said.
According to CENTCOM, some Iranian cruise missiles targeted US Navy destroyers, while several drones and missiles were directed at commercial shipping sailing through the strait.
“Project Freedom” begins in the Strait of Hormuz
The confrontation came shortly after the US military announced that two US-flagged merchant vessels had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz under naval protection.
CENTCOM said two US guided-missile destroyers also sailed through the waterway as part of the newly launched operation.
President Donald Trump announced the initiative on Sunday, describing it as an effort to restore freedom of navigation and help merchant ships stranded during months of conflict.
Trump warned that any Iranian meddling would provoke a strong response.
“Iran’s efforts to block them will unfortunately have to be dealt with forcefully,” Trump said earlier.
Later on Monday, Trump claimed Iran had targeted commercial shipping, including a South Korean vessel.
“Iran has fired several shots at non-related nations regarding Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also invited South Korea to participate in the mission.
“Maybe it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission,” Trump added.
Iran says warning shots were fired
Iranian state television earlier reported that Iranian naval forces had fired cruise missiles, missiles and combat drones near US warships crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s military described the launches as “warning shots” aimed at US destroyers operating in the region.
Iran’s commander, Major General Ali Abdollahi, warned that foreign military forces entering the strategic waterway 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,” Abdollahi said on state television.
UAE reports drone strikes and missile warning
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of launching attacks on its territory for the first time since the start of the ceasefire.
Authorities in Fujairah said an Iranian drone struck a major oil facility, causing a fire and injuring three Indian nationals.
The United Arab Emirates also issued several missile warnings on Monday – the first such warning in weeks.
The British military’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) separately reported that a cargo vessel had caught fire off the coast of the UAE.
The UAE condemned what it called “renewed treacherous Iranian aggression”.
“These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable violation,” the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Shipping crisis threatens global energy markets
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy hubs, providing a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
The renewed fighting has heightened concerns among shipping companies, insurers and energy markets already shaken by months of disruption.
CENTCOM said U.S. forces have cleared a safe shipping lane through waters threatened by Iranian naval mines.
Cooper said the US military has set up a “defensive umbrella” including helicopters and fighter jets to protect vessels crossing the strait.
The United Nations also expressed concern over the renewed violence.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the organization opposed “a return to direct kinetic activity” in the region and stressed the need to maintain freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Read also | The UAE says an Iranian drone attack on the Fujairah oil field injured three Indians
