U.S. and Iran Exchange Fire in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces exchanged fire with Iranian units on Monday while escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as part of the newly launched Project Freedom. The operation, announced by President Donald Trump on Sunday, aims to reopen the vital waterway closed since the war began on February 28.

Multiple sources confirmed that two American-flagged merchant ships successfully transited the strait that day, marking the first such passage under the initiative. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday that the ceasefire, announced on April 7, is still in effect.

He described the exchanges as expected initial resistance to the separate shipping effort, distinct from the broader conflict over Iran's nuclear program. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine noted that since the ceasefire began, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times, seized two container ships, and attacked U.S. forces more than 10 times, but these incidents remain below the threshold for resuming major combat.

The U.S. military reported shooting down Iranian cruise missiles and drones, and sinking six small Iranian boats that targeted the escorted vessels. In contrast, Iranian state media claimed its navy fired only warning shots at American destroyers, and an Iranian military commander said two small civilian cargo boats were hit, killing five civilians.

These differing accounts highlight ongoing tensions, with ship tracking data showing a Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker approaching the strait on Tuesday morning en route to Singapore. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused the U.S. of undermining regional security and violating the ceasefire in a post on X.

He warned that a new equation is forming in the strait and signaled that Iran has not yet fully responded. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted that the U.S. and UAE should avoid being dragged back into conflict. The British military noted two cargo vessels ablaze off the UAE coast.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attacks on X, expressing solidarity with the UAE and emphasizing the need for safe shipping through the strait. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also condemned the strikes against the UAE, despite strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Separately, several commercial ships were reported on fire in the Iranian port of Dayyer, though the cause remains unknown. The strait's closure has disrupted global oil and gas trade, sending fuel prices higher and providing Iran leverage in negotiations.

The U.S. has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, turning back at least 49 commercial ships and warning of sanctions for those paying Iran for transit. This has deprived Iran of needed oil revenue amid its economic challenges.

Iran's latest proposal to end the war demands the U.S. lift sanctions, end the blockade, withdraw forces, and cease hostilities, including Israel's operations in Lebanon, according to Iranian news agencies. Officials said they are reviewing the U.S. response, with Tehran aiming to resolve issues within 30 days without addressing its nuclear program.

The war erupted when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, prompting the strait closure. Efforts to reopen it risk reigniting full-scale fighting, but U.S. officials hope the blockade pressures Iran into concessions on its nuclear ambitions and other issues.

Negotiations continue indirectly via Pakistan.

“We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet.”

The U.S.-led Joint Maritime Information Center advised ships to cross in Oman's waters under an enhanced security area. However, shippers remain cautious, with hundreds of vessels and tens of thousands of seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf since the conflict started. The operation's success could deny Iran a key strategic advantage.