The Middle East ceasefire has come under renewed strain as developments on Monday (4 May) marked the war’s biggest escalation since a ceasefire was declared four weeks ago.
Iran warned that foreign military forces entering the Strait of Hormuz without coordination risked attack, with Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, specifically warning the United States Navy.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted several ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones launched from Iran. The UAE also reported a fire at an oil installation in the port of Fujairah following what it described as an Iranian drone attack.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US forces in the region, said American forces destroyed six small Iranian boats, a claim denied by Iran. US Central Command also said two US-flagged merchant vessels had crossed the strait safely while supported by US Navy guided-missile destroyers.
Iran later said it fired on a US warship approaching the strait, forcing it to turn back. Initial Iranian reports claimed the vessel was struck, though Washington denied this and Iranian officials later described the incident as warning shots. Iran’s unified command also instructed commercial ships and oil tankers to coordinate movements with Iranian armed forces.
The United States and Israel suspended bombing operations against Iran four weeks ago, after which US and Iranian officials held one round of direct talks.
However, further meetings have not been arranged. Iranian state media reported that Washington had responded to a 14-point Iranian proposal via Pakistan, with Tehran reviewing the response.
The proposal reportedly delays discussion of Iran’s nuclear programme until an agreement is reached on ending the conflict and resolving tensions over regional shipping routes.
ℹ️ Reuters, Financial Times, BBC News
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