Middle East crisis live: ‘We have not even begun’, Iran warns US amid escalation in strait of Hormuz

Iran has warned the United States of escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Iranian speaker stating a "new equation" is being solidified. This comes as President Donald Trump has dispatched warships to counter Iran's actions in the vital waterway. Meanwhile, Iran is experiencing its 67th consecutive day of a national internet blackout, one of the longest on record. This prolonged digital censorship is hindering visibility and accountability for a growing number of reported executions, denying victims a voice. The situation highlights a significant geopolitical standoff and a severe domestic human rights concern within Iran.

On day 67 of escalating tensions, the UAE reported intercepting Iranian missiles and a suspected drone attack that caused a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah. Iran has not officially commented, but other Gulf nations and the EU condemned the suspected strike. This incident occurs amidst heightened US-Iran friction, with President Trump warning of severe retaliation if US Navy ships are targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military stated it sank six Iranian boats attempting to disrupt shipping in the Strait, a claim Iran denies, asserting civilian vessels were targeted and resulted in civilian casualties. Iran maintains its right to manage the Strait, while diplomatic efforts suggest a long road to resolution.

A cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz reported an attack by multiple small craft on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre. The incident occurred off Sirik, Iran, east of the strait, with all crew members reported safe. This marks the latest in a series of attacks in the region since the start of the Iran war, with at least two dozen reported. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Iranian officials maintain control over the strait and suggest passage for non-US or Israeli affiliated ships is possible with a toll. The threat level in the area remains critical, with Tehran having effectively closed the strait through attacks and threats against shipping.

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.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is spearheading a new UN Security Council resolution aimed at stopping Iran from mining the Strait of Hormuz. This diplomatic effort seeks international backing for the ongoing U.S. maritime operation, Project Freedom, which is designed to secure commercial shipping through the critical global trade route. The resolution intends to hold Iran accountable for violating international law by laying sea mines, demanding they cease this activity, disclose mine locations, and cooperate with the UN to establish humanitarian corridors. This initiative follows recent U.S. military actions to protect vessels threatened by Iranian forces in the strait. The resolution is being developed in cooperation with Bahrain and GCC countries.

Iran has warned the United States Navy to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump announced "Project Freedom," a US initiative to guide stranded ships through the waterway. Iran's military stated that US forces will be attacked if they enter the strait and advised commercial vessels to coordinate with Iran. Trump claimed the operation was requested by countries with stranded ships, citing humanitarian concerns and the need to ensure free passage. US Central Command confirmed its support for the mission, involving significant military personnel and assets. Iran views any US intervention as a violation of a recent ceasefire.

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.