Reactions and statements from the international community
The US Navy has adopted a new engagement posture to respond to all immediate threats in the Strait of Hormuz, including Iranian gunboats and missile launch positions.
The United States forces have commenced the Liberation Project to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened tensions with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
At 15:30 Iran Occupied Time, the US Army initiated Project Freedom operations in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of ships through this strategic waterway. This move comes amid increased tensions with the Islamic Republic regime.
Media outlets affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran claimed control over all traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that no passage occurs without their approval, while U.S. Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to ensure safe maritime transit in the same area.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a direct threat via marine radio to destroy all ships entering the Strait of Hormuz without permission, posing a significant risk to global shipping in the strategic waterway.
On May 4, 2026, the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that an ADNOC oil tanker was targeted in a "terrorist attack" while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which the UAE attributed to the Islamic Republic.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, stated that Iran conducted a pirate operation at sea, attacking an ADNOC national tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Gargash emphasized the UAE's commitment to rejecting aggression and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
At 1200 UTC, U.S. military operations to restore "freedom of navigation" through the Strait of Hormuz have commenced.
The United States is set to launch Operation Freedom Project in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying over 15,000 military personnel and approximately 100 aircraft to ensure safe passage of ships amid threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Reports from the Hormozgan coast indicate sounds resembling gunfire at sea, while global oil prices have risen due to escalating tensions.
A senior U.S. official quoted by Axios stated that President Trump has issued an ultimatum to the Islamic Republic of Iran, threatening severe military action if an achievable agreement is not reached soon, amid ongoing negotiations and dissatisfaction with the current stalemate situation.
Iranian regime-affiliated media reported that a U.S. warship near Jask, Iran, was hit by a missile and forced to retreat, though a senior U.S. official and CENTCOM denied the claim, stating no U.S. Navy vessels were targeted. Despite the denials, global markets reacted with rising dollar and oil prices due to heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that an ADNOC-affiliated oil tanker was attacked by two drones while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in no casualties. The UAE condemned the attack and attributed it to the Islamic Republic, calling for an end to hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
