Iran strikes Fujairah Oil terminal in UAE. US escorts ships and tensions surge again

Missiles and drones shatter fragile calm

A fragile ceasefire in the Gulf has been jolted by a fresh wave of Iranian attacks, with Tehran firing missiles and drones at United Arab Emirates for the first time in weeks. Officials said 15 missiles and four drones were launched, triggering air defence responses and sparking a fire at a key oil facility in Fujairah. Civilians were wounded and commercial flights were forced to turn back midair as sirens returned to Emirati skies.

The strikes mark a sharp escalation, underlining just how brittle the truce had become.

US moves to reopen Strait of Hormuz

At the heart of the confrontation is the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for global energy. The US, under Donald Trump, has launched a new initiative to guide commercial shipping through the heavily disrupted route.

American forces reported that two US-flagged ships successfully passed through under military protection. Helicopters and naval assets were deployed to counter threats, with US commanders saying multiple Iranian drones, missiles and fast boats targeted vessels in transit.

In a direct clash, US forces said they sank six Iranian boats, signalling a willingness to use force to keep the corridor open.

War of signals—and threats

Trump dramatically raised the stakes, warning Iran would be “blown off the face of the earth” if US ships were hit. Yet in the same breath, he suggested Tehran was showing some flexibility in ongoing talks—highlighting the strange dual track of escalation and diplomacy now unfolding.

Iran, for its part, framed the US operation as provocation, warning foreign military forces entering the strait would be targeted. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted there is “no military solution,” even as missiles flew.

Regional and global ripple effects

The attack also exposed how international the conflict has become. Reports indicated an Israeli-operated Iron Dome battery helped intercept at least one incoming missile, underscoring quiet security cooperation in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, cargo ships from multiple nations were caught in the chaos, with at least two vessels reported ablaze and a South Korean-linked ship hit by an explosion. Oil markets reacted instantly, with prices surging amid fears the strait could again be effectively shut.

A crisis far from contained

Despite talk of ceasefires and negotiations, the reality on the ground points in the opposite direction. Iran continues to test the limits of US resolve, while Washington pushes ahead with a risky effort to guarantee shipping flows through a warzone.

The result is a dangerous standoff: one of the world’s most critical النفط routes now sits at the center of a live military confrontation, where a single miscalculation could spiral into something far bigger.

SOURCE

Tired of all the winning yet?

Somebody (you know who) said Iran had no weapons left, the

war was won, not so quick Donald, you may have to do what

you dread the most ...Put boots on the ground, then you will

become even more unpopular ,not many points left to go

down to zero.

regards worgeordie

Much of the sensible and smart big fortunes in the Middle East are shifting their portfolios and funds to Switzerland where the reputable political and social stability with the top efficiency of Swiss banks, is providing a safe haven. The glitter of Dubai or Qatar has been highly compromised (thanks to Israel and America) and it will take decades to gain back trust.

Edited May 5May 5 by Sigmund

Just now, Sigmund said:

The glitter of Dubai or Qatar has been highly compromised (thanks to Israel and America) and it will take decades to gain back trust.

I think Iran had a bit to do with it as well as those two antagonists!

Just now, gargamon said:

Tired of all the winning yet?

Have to check Polymarket to answer that one.

Another taco as dear leader gives up on the strait. Happy Tuesday.

Had the mango maniac 47 waited until AFTER the mid terms, things would be much better for his team. They really didn't think this one through. Then again, do they ever?