UAE Reports Iranian Attacks Amid U.S. Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported on Monday that it experienced attacks from Iran for the first time since a ceasefire began in early April. The UAE Defense Ministry stated that Iran launched four cruise missiles; three were intercepted, and one fell into the sea. Additionally, an Iranian drone caused a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah, injuring three Indian nationals. The British military reported two cargo vessels ablaze off the UAE coast.

These incidents occurred as the U.S. military announced that two American-flagged merchant ships had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz under a new initiative to restore traffic. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, reported that American forces have opened a passage through the strait and that U.S. military helicopters have sunk six Iranian small boats targeting civilian vessels. He stated that Iran launched multiple cruise missiles, drones, and small boats at ships under U.S. protection, and that "each and every one" of the threats had been defeated.

President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian efforts to block the strait "will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully." He described "Project Freedom" as a humanitarian effort designed to aid stranded seafarers on hundreds of ships that have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the war began.

Iran's military command stated that ships passing through the strait must coordinate with them. Major General Ali Abdollahi warned that any foreign military force, especially the U.S. military, intending to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted.

The disruption of the waterway has affected countries in Europe and Asia that depend on Persian Gulf oil and gas, raising prices globally. The U.S. has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions for paying Iran for transit of the strait.

The Joint Maritime Information Center urged mariners to coordinate closely with authorities in Oman due to anticipated high traffic volume. It warned that passing close to usual routes should be considered extremely hazardous due to the presence of mines that have not been fully surveyed and mitigated.

The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of targeting a tanker linked to its main oil company with two drones as it navigated the strait. No injuries were reported.

Iranian news agencies reported that Iran struck a U.S. vessel near an Iranian port southeast of the strait, accusing it of violating maritime security and navigation norms. The reports said the vessel was forced to turn back. U.S. Central Command stated that "no U.S. Navy ships have been struck."

Iran's latest proposal for ending the war calls for the U.S. lifting sanctions, ending the blockade, withdrawing forces from the region, and ceasing all hostilities, including Israel's operations in Lebanon. Iranian officials said they were reviewing the U.S. response, though Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters that changing demands made diplomacy difficult.

Iran has claimed its proposal does not include issues related to its nuclear program and enriched uranium. Iran wants other issues resolved within 30 days and aims to end the war rather than extend the ceasefire. President Trump expressed doubt over the weekend that the proposal would lead to a deal.