Iranian strikes targeted the United Arab Emirates and Oman on Monday as the United States attempted to reopen the Strait of Hormuz using naval assets under President Donald Trump’s Project Freedom initiative. The moves provoked the biggest escalation since a ceasefire was declared four weeks ago. Attacks included a fire at the Fujairah oil port and injuries in both Gulf states.
The United Arab Emirates reported that Iranian drones struck an empty ADNOC tanker attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Air defense systems engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones fired from Iran. A large fire broke out at the Fujairah oil port, injuring three Indian nationals. Emirati officials described the assaults as a serious escalation and ordered schools to shift to remote learning for the remainder of the week.
In Oman, a residential building for company employees in the Tibat area of Bukha along the Strait of Hormuz coastline was hit. The strike injured two expatriate workers with moderate wounds, damaged four vehicles and shattered glass in a nearby house. The Oman News Agency reported the details without assigning responsibility for the attack near Emirati territory. This incident extended the reach of violence beyond the maritime channel itself.
Kuwait strongly condemned the Iranian drone attack on the UAE tanker. The foreign ministry called it a direct threat to maritime security and international shipping routes while expressing full support for the UAE’s right to protect its security and interests. It warned that targeting commercial vessels violates international law and freedom of navigation, risking broader instability across regional and global supply lines.
The US military said it destroyed seven Iranian fast boats that were threatening civilian shipping in the strait. Trump announced the mission on social media, stating the US would guide ships safely through the restricted waterways so they could freely conduct business. Admiral Brad Cooper strongly advised Iranian forces to avoid US military assets involved in the operation. A US-flagged Maersk vessel successfully transited the strait under naval protection without incident.
Iran fired warning shots at a US warship approaching the area and released a map claiming expanded control over waters reaching UAE coastlines. Iranian authorities denied any successful merchant ship crossings had occurred and warned that foreign armed forces entering the strait would face attacks. Officials maintained that security of the Strait of Hormuz rests with Iran and requires coordination with its armed forces for safe passage.
The Strait of Hormuz carries about one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas. It has remained largely blocked since air strikes on Iran in February, stranding thousands of seafarers and vessels. Oil prices climbed above 115 dollars per barrel following the latest violence. Several regional states and European leaders urged de-escalation and a return to negotiations to restore safe navigation.
Sources:
— https://kuwaittimes.com/article/43232/kuwait/other-news/iran-hits-uae-oman-as-hormuz-simmers/
— https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjwp432d0v5o
— https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/04/world/iran-hormuz-ships-navy
— https://www.npr.org/2026/05/04/nx-s1-5810508/iran-war-updates