Gulf tensions rise as US and Iran carry out new attacks

The US and Iran traded fresh missile and drone attacks in the Gulf on Monday.

Both sides fight for control over the Strait of Hormuz through rival sea blockades. These clashes shake a shaky truce and threaten global energy flows. US President Donald Trump started Project Freedom to free stuck tankers and ships from the strait.

This key shipping route has stayed mostly closed since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in February. The ongoing war has already killed thousands across the region. Trump announced the effort on social media, ignoring a US law deadline for Congress approval. He claimed the war ended, making the deadline irrelevant, though some lawmakers disagree.

Iran hit back hard. Explosions and fires damaged several merchant ships. Iranian missiles set an oil port ablaze in the UAE, home to a major US base. The US Navy destroyed six small Iranian boats during the operation. Admiral Brad Cooper warned Iran to stay away from US forces. Shipping insurance costs have skyrocketed due to the risks. Major companies hesitate to send vessels until fighting stops fully. Two US merchant ships, including the Alliance Fairfax, passed through with Navy escorts, but Iran denies recent crossings happened.

Iran expanded its claimed sea control zone on maps, reaching deep into UAE waters. South Korea reported its ship HMM Namu suffered an engine fire in the strait, with no injuries. UKMTO noted two ships hit off UAE coast, and ADNOC said drones struck one of its empty tankers. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called Project Freedom a deadlock. He stressed no military fix exists and praised Pakistan-mediated peace talks.