The ceasefire in the Iran war faced its most perilous moment on Monday after the United States began efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz, allowing hundreds of stranded commercial ships to sail out. Warning signs emerged hours earlier when the United Arab Emirates reported an attack for the first time since the early April ceasefire, and a British military monitor noted two cargo vessels ablaze off the UAE.
Iran Accuses US of Violating Ceasefire
Iran called the new US military-aided effort, dubbed "Project Freedom," a violation of the fragile three-week ceasefire. The US announced the initiative on Sunday, with President Donald Trump describing it as a humanitarian mission. However, there were few signs of ships taking advantage of the offer, though the US claimed two US-flagged merchant ships safely transited with its help. Caution is growing among shippers and in markets due to a lack of details from Washington.
US Appears to Be Going It Alone
Iran's grip on the crucial waterway has left hundreds of commercial ships and tens of thousands of sailors stuck since the war broke out over two months ago. The strait contains weeks' worth of globally needed oil, gas, fertilizer, and other goods. This has been Iran's strategic advantage, pinching economies and dimming the outlook for Trump's party in the upcoming midterm elections. Oil prices rose on Monday amid uncertainty.
The US military said the initiative would involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members, but did not specify deployment details. Trump warned that interference would be "dealt with forcefully." The US military reported sinking six small Iranian boats targeting civilian vessels and said Iran launched missiles and drones at ships under US protection.
Iran Calls Effort Part of Trump's 'Delirium'
Iran effectively closed the strait by attacking ships over the past two months, telling non-US or non-Israeli vessels they could pass if they paid a toll. Concerns remain about Iranian mines in the waterway. Iran's military command stated that ships must coordinate with Tehran to transit, warning that any foreign military force approaching the strait would be targeted. State-run IRNA news agency described Trump's plan as part of his "delirium." Iranian news agencies claimed they struck a US vessel southeast of the strait, which the US military denied.
Shippers Wary of Security Situation
The threat level around the strait remains critical, according to the US-led Joint Maritime Information Center, even as it issued an advisory on the new US effort. Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at the Baltic and International Maritime Council, said no formal guidance had been issued to the industry. He questioned the sustainability of the operation and warned of a risk of hostilities breaking out again. The center advised ships to cross in Oman's waters, citing an "enhanced security area," and warned of mines. Mariners were urged to coordinate closely with Omani authorities due to anticipated high traffic.
