US Destroys Iranian Boats in Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions

Dubai. The tension between America and Iran has intensified in the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for international oil trade. US President Donald Trump has announced that the US military destroyed seven Iranian 'fast boats'. This action was taken under 'Project Freedom', initiated by Washington to safely extract ships stranded in the Gulf.

It is reported that US military helicopters attacked those Iranian boats. President Trump also sarcastically remarked that Iran now only has such small boats left. However, Iran has denied that its boats were attacked.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has claimed that Iran attacked its main oil port of Fujairah. According to the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a tanker affiliated with Adnoc was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, while South Korea has also reported an explosion on one of its ships.

UAE officials stated that their air defense system intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones. However, one strike caused a severe fire at the Fujairah oil port and injured three people. Abu Dhabi has warned that it reserves the right to retaliate, calling it a 'dangerous provocation'.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi commented that this development clarifies that there is no military solution to the political crisis. He targeted the US campaign, saying, 'Project Freedom is actually Project Deadlock'.

Although the Iranian army claimed to have fired warning shots at a US warship, America has denied this. This waterway has been almost closed since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran last February, affecting 20 percent of the world's oil supply.

Amidst the tension, the US flag-carrying ship 'Alliance Fairfax' has successfully exited the waterway safely under US military protection. Shipping company Maersk confirmed that its crew members are safe and have exited the Gulf with US assistance.

President Trump had requested countries around the world to free their neutral ships, after which this humanitarian process was initiated, and he had warned of using force if it was obstructed.

The direct impact of this military confrontation has been seen in the international market. As soon as the news of the attack in Fujairah became public, the price of crude oil exceeded $115 per barrel, which is an increase of more than 5 percent in a single day.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the attack on UAE infrastructure and pledged to continue supporting the defense of Gulf partners. Neighboring Qatar also condemned the attack and demanded the reopening of the waterway without conditions.