On Monday, May 4, Iran launched its first major attack on the United Arab Emirates since a ceasefire on April 8. A drone struck the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, causing a fire and injuring three Indian workers. At the same time, Iranian forces hit the ADNOC tanker Barakah off the coast of Oman with another drone, though no one was injured because the ship carried no cargo.
The UAE's air defences engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones launched from Iran. This attack broke nearly a month of fragile peace between Tehran and Washington.
On the same day, the US Navy began "Project Freedom," a new operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway, only 21 miles wide, is crucial for global oil trade. The US military deployed guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft and 15,000 service members.
Iran responded by firing cruise missiles, drones and small boats at US Navy and commercial vessels. American forces reported destroying six Iranian boats, though Iran denied any were sunk. The US military confirmed no American ships were hit, despite Iranian claims.
President Trump warned that Iranian forces would face severe consequences if they targeted US Navy ships. Meanwhile, Iran submitted a 14-point peace proposal through Pakistan, which Trump said he would likely reject. The day's events highlighted growing tensions in one of the world's most important shipping routes.