Bangkok: Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated again after the U.S. military destroyed an Iranian speedboat in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, impacting key oil facilities.
According to Thai News Agency, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) used Apache and Seahawk helicopters to destroy seven fast boats belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that attempted to obstruct commercial shipping. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that these boats were trying to interfere with Operation Project Freedom, a mission to guide stranded commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked since late February. Reports indicate that at least one Maersk commercial vessel safely exited the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military escort. In addition to the seven fast boats mentioned by Trump, several Iranian guided missiles and drones were intercepted. The U.S. military confirmed that no of its warships were damaged in the incident.
However, South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries reported that the South Korean cargo ship HMM Namu, anchored near the waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was attacked, resulting in an explosion and fire in the engine room. All 24 crew members are safe, and the fire was successfully extinguished, but the hull was damaged beyond repair and will require towing to Dubai.
Meanwhile, the UAE's Ministry of Defence reported that 15 missiles and 4 drones were fired from Iran. Air defense systems intercepted most of them. However, one drone landed in an oil industrial complex in Fujairah, causing a large fire, injuring three Indian workers, and forcing the suspension of some oil shipments at a strategic port crucial for exporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE condemned the Iranian attack as risking escalating the conflict and reserved the right to retaliate.
Iranian authorities denied any plans to attack the UAE and refuted reports of the destruction of speedboats. The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that the US Project Freedom mission was a dead end and emphasized that the political crisis could not be resolved through military means.
Regarding the stalled Iran-US peace negotiations, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that Iran is reviewing the latest proposal from the US, sent through Pakistan as a mediator. However, Iran demands a realistic plan from President Trump, and at this stage, Iran will not discuss anything else that implies a delay in negotiating the Iranian nuclear issue, beyond the complete end of any war.