US and Iran Exchange Strikes as Military Pushes to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United States military said it carried out operations against Iranian forces in the Gulf, including the sinking of six small boats it described as targeting civilian shipping, as it pushed forward with efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came alongside reports that American-flagged merchant vessels had successfully transited the strategic waterway under a new US-led initiative.

According to US Central Command, Iranian forces used cruise missiles, drones and small boats in coordinated actions against civilian vessels operating under American protection. Admiral Brad Cooper said US helicopters destroyed six of the boats, stressing that “each and every threat had been defeated.” He added that US commanders had full authority to defend both military units and commercial shipping.

The operation, described by President Donald Trump as “Project Freedom,” is aimed at restoring passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Trump warned that any Iranian attempt to block shipping would be met “forcefully,” framing the mission as a humanitarian effort to assist stranded vessels. US officials said the operation includes guiding ships out of the Gulf after weeks of disruption.

Iran and its allies reported renewed attacks in the region. The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted 15 missiles and four drones, while one drone struck an oil facility in Fujairah, injuring three foreign workers and triggering a fire. Additional explosions and fires were reported on commercial vessels near UAE waters, including a South Korean-operated ship.

The UAE condemned what it called “renewed treacherous Iranian aggression,” warning of serious escalation risks. Its Foreign Ministry said the attacks represented “a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable violation.” Authorities in Oman also reported a strike on a residential area near the Strait of Hormuz that left two foreign workers injured.

Iran did not directly confirm responsibility but issued conflicting statements. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned both Washington and regional partners to avoid being “dragged back into a quagmire,” while Iranian military officials denied any intent to target UAE facilities. One official said the incident stemmed from “US military adventurism to create an illegal passage.”

Tehran’s military leadership also warned that any foreign forces entering the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi stated that “any foreign military force… that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted.” Iranian officials further argued that US and allied actions had jeopardized shipping security through blockades and military pressure.

The US has imposed restrictions on Iranian maritime activity since mid-April, while Iran has previously enforced its own blockade following the outbreak of conflict linked to earlier US and Israeli strikes. Shipping companies have reported growing risks, with some vessels turning back or rerouting through Oman’s waters under new security advisories.

The disruption has driven up global energy prices and raised concerns among import-dependent economies in Europe and Asia. The IMF has warned that prolonged instability and rising oil costs could significantly worsen global inflation pressures if the conflict continues into the coming years.

Despite competing claims over control of the strait, both sides have signaled continued escalation risks, with Iran insisting the current situation remains unacceptable and US officials maintaining that military protection of commercial shipping will continue.