Iran Threatens Ships in Hormuz After US Launches “Project Freedom”
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated again after Iran warned commercial vessels and tankers that sailing without “coordination” with its armed forces would be “risky.” The statement came as Washington announced plans to help free vessels stuck in the strategic energy waterway, a move Tehran viewed as an attempt to weaken its bargaining power.
Iranian military commander Ali Abdollahi, according to state media, urged all merchant vessels and tankers not to attempt passage without coordination and threatened to target foreign armed forces—particularly the US—if they approach or enter Hormuz. Meanwhile, US Central Command said two US-flagged vessels had safely passed through the strait, but it was unclear whether they had a military escort.
Several incidents on Monday (May 4) added to the risk of escalation. Residents of Dubai received an emergency warning of a potential missile attack before being declared safe. The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of launching a drone attack on an ADNOC oil tanker as it attempted to pass through, while Iranian media claimed its military fired warning shots at the US vessel—a claim the US military denied.
Trump said Iran's interference with "Project Freedom" operations would be met with a "firm response." The US military said it was deploying elements including a destroyer and about 15,000 personnel to help ships evacuate the area, although details of the extent of protection for shipping remained limited amid reports of mines and threats from Iranian speedboats.
These developments further rattled energy markets: Brent crude rose nearly 2% to around US$110 per barrel. With Hormuz typically carrying about a fifth of the world's oil and much of its natural gas, the impasse in the waterway remains a major obstacle to US-Iran negotiations, which now appear stalled, while European countries are still calculating whether to intervene before the conflict fully subsides. (Arl)*
Source: Newsmaker.id
