‘Dangerous escalation’: World condemns Iran after attacks on UAE

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, pushing a fragile ceasefire to the brink. President Trump has threatened Iran with severe retaliation if it attacks US ships, emphasizing America's superior military capabilities. The US military has launched "Project Freedom" to guide vessels through the strait, claiming to have assisted two merchant ships. However, ship-tracking data suggests traffic remains largely suspended, with dozens of vessels from 87 countries reportedly stranded. These developments follow renewed hostilities, including an Iranian attack on the UAE and reports of the US shooting down Iranian boats. A South Korean vessel also experienced an explosion and fire off the UAE coast, and fires were reported on two other ships in the region.

A drone attack from Iran struck a key oil facility in Fujairah, UAE, causing a large fire and injuring three Indian nationals. This incident followed the UAE's interception of missiles launched from Iran and reports of a tanker affiliated with its state-owned oil company being hit in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE described the attacks as a "dangerous escalation," though an unnamed Iranian official denied targeting the UAE. Simultaneously, the US reported its navy destroyers and merchant ships sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran claimed to have fired warning shots at a US warship, which Washington denied. Later, the US stated it had intercepted seven Iranian fast boats in the strait, a claim Iran denied. These events occur amidst ongoing tensions and a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route.

President Donald Trump has threatened to "blow Iran off the face of the earth" if it attacks U.S. vessels attempting to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. launched an operation to assist hundreds of ships and thousands of crew members stranded by Iran's blockade of the vital waterway. While the U.S. military reported destroying Iranian boats and intercepting missiles and drones, Iran denied these claims and warned of strikes on approaching U.S. naval vessels. Trump described the U.S. naval effort as a significant maneuver and asserted the U.S. possesses superior weaponry. These threats raise concerns about a fragile ceasefire brokered last month, which aimed to resolve the blockade impacting global oil supplies.

A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has held for three weeks, with signs of the Strait of Hormuz potentially reopening. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US will initiate "Project Freedom" on Monday morning, a humanitarian effort to assist ships stranded in the strait. This initiative, requested by neutral countries, aims to facilitate maritime traffic. The US Navy will provide commercial vessels with navigational guidance and remain on standby to deter any Iranian interference. Trump warned that any obstruction of this humanitarian process would be met with a forceful response.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused China of "funding the largest state sponsor of terrorism," referring to Iran, due to Beijing's significant energy purchases. Bessent made these remarks ahead of President Trump's upcoming visit to China. Despite the criticism, Bessent urged China to collaborate with the US in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked. He stated that the US has "absolute control" of the strait and is working to reopen it, suggesting China use its influence to encourage Iran to resolve the crisis diplomatically. Bessent also noted that China and Russia have previously blocked UN Security Council condemnation of Iran's actions.

Iran has reportedly received a response from the United States to its latest peace proposal, according to Iranian state-linked media. The response was delivered through Pakistan and is currently under review by Iran's foreign ministry. While the US has not yet officially confirmed sending a reply, President Trump had previously stated he would review Iran's plan, expressing skepticism about its acceptability. Iran's 14-point proposal, as reported by its state media, includes demands for US troop withdrawal from near its borders, an end to its naval blockade, and a cessation of hostilities, including Israeli actions in Lebanon. The plan reportedly calls for an agreement within 30 days and a focus on ending the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting 15 missiles and four drones fired from Iran, marking the first UAE targeting since an April 8 ceasefire. One drone attack caused a fire at a Fujairah petroleum zone, injuring three Indian nationals, while an empty crude oil tanker was also attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has denied the accusations. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, condemned the attacks, denouncing them as a threat to regional security and a violation of UAE sovereignty. Germany, the UK, and Canada urged Iran to return to talks.

A cargo ship was attacked by multiple small craft near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, approximately 11 nautical miles west of Sirik, Iran. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the incident, stating that all crew members were safe and no environmental damage was reported. Vessels in the vicinity have been advised to proceed with caution. This event occurs amidst heightened tensions and Iranian threats to control the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime chokepoint. Iran has recently presented a peace proposal to the U.S. suggesting Iranian governance of the strait. The U.S. military is currently enforcing a naval blockade in the area. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones originating from Iran. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed the interception of three missiles and a fourth falling into the sea, with no immediate reports of casualties. Separately, an Iranian drone reportedly caused a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah, injuring three Indian citizens. These incidents occurred amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf, particularly concerning blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and failed ceasefire extension efforts. While a senior Iranian military official denied plans to target the UAE, the drone attack broke a period of relative calm following a US-Tehran ceasefire.

Ukraine is monitoring unusual activity along its border with Belarus, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning Minsk against involvement in Russia's ongoing invasion. Kyiv has imposed sanctions on Belarus and is prepared to respond to any aggressive actions. Zelenskyy reported that Russia has used apartment blocks in Belarus to launch attacks and circumvent Ukrainian defenses. He also detailed recent "brutal attacks" on Kherson, with drones targeting civilian transport and causing casualties, as well as strikes in other Ukrainian cities and on energy infrastructure. While Russian forces crossed into Ukraine from Belarus at the start of the invasion, Belarus has not directly participated in the fighting.

The US Treasury Department has threatened shipping firms with sanctions if they pay tolls to Iran, warning that non-US persons could face legal consequences if such payments facilitate sanctions violations. This action comes as Iran has been targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz following attacks by the US and Israel. The US has also imposed a naval blockade since April 13th, significantly reducing ship traffic through the vital waterway. The Treasury also sanctioned three Iranian currency exchange houses involved in converting oil revenue. These measures aim to pressure Iran's revenue streams, impacting global trade and humanitarian aid delivery due to increased costs and delays.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a defiant statement asserting Iran's control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and pledging to protect the nation's nuclear and missile programs. The statement, read on state television, declared a "new chapter" for the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, claiming Iran would secure the region and eliminate "enemy abuses." Khamenei vowed to guard Iran's technological capacities, including nuclear and missile programs, as national capital. This comes amidst a US counter-blockade of Iranian oil ports and reports of Khamenei's injury following his father's death. The statement suggests Iran's intent to implement a new fee regime in the strait, which is crucial for global oil transit.

President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain, following a similar statement regarding Germany. Trump cited a lack of assistance from these NATO allies, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Italy's defense minister rejected the accusations, stating Rome has offered maritime security cooperation. Spain has maintained a stance of cooperation within international law and has opposed US actions related to Iran. The US has approximately 13,000 military personnel stationed in Italy across seven naval bases.