The Strait of Hormuz Belongs to the U.S. Navy Now

Maersk confirmed its vessel "Alliance Fairfax" has transited out of the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military escort, completing its passage safely after being stuck in the Persian Gulf since February 2026. The ship is the first major commercial vessel to successfully transit under military protection since Iran's blockade began. There are now confirmed clear paths through the mined areas of the Strait.

Project Freedom is a defensive U.S. military operation, distinct from the broader Operation Epic Fury, designed to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait. U.S. Navy destroyers, fighters, helicopters, and drones are deployed to counter Iranian threats. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called it a "gift to the world" for global commerce and energy security.

U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawks and U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches destroyed 6 Iranian fast boats threatening commercial traffic near the Strait. The Navy has fired on Iranian forces when necessary to protect shipping. Trump noted that a South Korean ship fired upon earlier "wasn't being escorted", drawing a direct line between the escort program and safe passage. Hegseth warned Iran to "choose wisely" and avoid attacking shipping or U.S. assets.

The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is transiting the Persian Gulf with more than 60 aircraft on board, enforcing the naval blockade from the Gulf of Oman. The USS Abraham Lincoln is also on station, with Super Hornets launching sorties. CENTCOM confirmed more than 100 land and sea-based aircraft are supporting Project Freedom, including U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters.

South Korea is reviewing domestic law to clear its participation in the operation. Two U.S. Air Force refueling tankers, a KC-135 and a KC-46A, declared emergencies by transmitting code 7700 over the Persian Gulf today. The KC-135 briefly dropped off radar over the Strait of Hormuz before reappearing.

Trump called the blockade on Iranian ports "the greatest military maneuver in history." Two oil tankers attributed to Iran, seized under sanctions enforcement, are being moved to the U.S. military base at Diego Garcia, per Iranian reports.

Iran Attacks the UAE

The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed Iran attacked with 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 drones. All were engaged. Authorities reported 3 moderate injuries. The UAE issued NOTAMs covering wide areas of its airspace and shifted all schools to online learning. Qatar also announced limited airspace restrictions.

Trump said one Iranian missile got through but caused minimal damage. Iranian reports say President Pezeshkian was furious with IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi over the attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, UAE, and Oman, which were carried out without the government's knowledge. Pezeshkian called for an urgent meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to stop the escalation.

International condemnation came fast. Saudi Crown Prince MBS called UAE President MBZ, condemning the attacks and reaffirming Saudi support for UAE security. UK PM Keir Starmer said stability in the Gulf directly affects Britain. India's PM Modi called the targeting of civilians unacceptable, stressing that safe passage through the Strait is vital to global energy security. Pakistan's PM Shahbaz Sharif expressed full solidarity. Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister conveyed Kuwait's position on Iran's "aggression" to the international community.

Iran's embassy in South Africa took a shot at the UAE: "One who sits in a glass tower should not throw stones." An Iranian military source warned via Tasnim that if the UAE takes "unwise action" against Iran, all its interests will become targets. One potential UAE response being discussed: targeting roughly 20 Iranian vessels currently used as floating oil storage, which would expedite Iran's oil wells going offline.

Israel Hayom reports the U.S. and Israel are evaluating targets in Iran, including missile launchers and an energy facility, in response to the attack. CNN confirms Israel is coordinating with the U.S. on a potential new round of strikes targeting energy facilities and senior Iranian officials.

Trump on Arming the Iranian People

Sen. Lindsey Graham backed the idea, calling it a "Second Amendment Solution" that gives the Iranian people a "genuine path back to freedom." Graham said there is no need for boots on the ground in Iran.

Trump also addressed the broader economic picture: "When I first did this, I thought maybe the market would go down 20% or 25%, and I was okay with that because I knew it would come back up. And I thought oil could hit $200, $250. Well, oil's at $100, $102." He framed the economic cost as contained and manageable.

On China: "They watch what happened in Venezuela. They watch what happened in Iran, because militarily Iran is essentially over." Trump said he prefers getting along with China and plans to visit President Xi in 2 weeks.

Large-Scale Fighting Imminent

Fox News, quoting U.S. officials: "We are closer to resuming large-scale fighting in Iran than we were 24 hours ago."

Trump said the campaign has 2 to 3 weeks left. "We've taken out much of what we'd have to do, probably another two weeks, maybe three weeks. And time is not of the essence for us." Operations under Epic Fury are currently in a temporary pause.

At today's press conference (May 5), Hegseth and General Caine confirmed the broader U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains fragile but "is not over." The U.S. is not seeking a wider fight but will respond forcefully to provocations. U.S. forces remain strongly postured in the region with full readiness to resume major combat if needed. Hegseth emphasized decisive, limited action for clear objectives, a deliberate contrast with past "endless wars."

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine laid out the justification: "Iran has attacked 9 ships since the start of the ceasefire, seized two tankers, and attacked American forces more than 10 times, below the threshold required to start a significant operation at this point."

Reports from Iran indicate at least 3 powerful blasts were heard earlier today in the port city of Bandar Abbas. Trump on Iran's nuclear program: "They won't have nuclear weapons, it's going well."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is traveling to Beijing today to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. A senior Iranian security source told Mizan News Agency: "Iran's message is clear, Americans face targeting if advancing in the Strait of Hormuz." IRGC Senior Ali Akbar Ahmadian responded to reports that U.S. rules of engagement have been changed: "Come closer, we are ready."

Iran's Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf claimed the "new equation of the Strait of Hormuz" is being solidified, blaming the U.S. and allies for jeopardizing shipping and energy transit through the blockade. Sen. Lindsey Graham called separately for a "large-scale, strong, costly and short-lived" strike against Iran, saying Tehran has "without a doubt" violated the ceasefire.

The IRGC blockade took its first real hit. Maersk transited under escort, 6 Iranian fast boats were destroyed, and the U.S. is openly protecting commercial shipping through cleared mine paths. Iran's attack on the UAE, launched without its own president's knowledge, unified the Gulf against Tehran, sent Araghchi scrambling to Beijing, and gave Washington justification to escalate. The Hegseth/Caine presser today will signal whether Epic Fury resumes or whether the 2 to 3 week timeline buys Tehran one last off-ramp.