US-Iran Tensions Bring Ceasefire to Brink Over Hormuz Strait Dispute

US Military Deploys Plan to Guide Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

The US military has begun implementing Project Freedom, a plan aimed at guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz and breaking an Iranian blockade on strategic shipping lanes. The initiative was announced by President Donald Trump, who warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it attacks US ships in the region.

According to reports, the US military shot down seven small Iranian boats near the strait on Monday. The incident occurred as tensions between the US and Iran escalated, with Iran attacking the United Arab Emirates earlier in the day.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that vessels stranded in the area belong to 87 countries, including innocent bystanders in the conflict. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, said that the military has reached out to dozens of ships and shipping companies to encourage traffic flow through the strait.

However, it is unclear how the vessels responded to the US assurances. Iran’s official news agency IRNA cited a military source as saying that the US claim of sinking Iranian warships is false.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical waterway for global energy trade, and tensions in the region have led to increased prices for oil and petrol globally. The price of one gallon of gas has risen from less than $3 to over $4.45 on Monday, fueling inflation ahead of the US midterm elections.

Iran’s administration of the Hormuz Strait remains fully under Tehran’s control, according to a senior Iranian official. The official stated that Iran will target any aggressors, including those who attempt to disrupt its control of the strait.

The UAE Defence Ministry reported that Iranian attacks caused fires on three ships in the area, while South Korea confirmed that one of its vessels suffered from an explosion and fire off the coast of the UAE.

Source: Al Jazeera