Iran’s powerful chief negotiator warned the United States against any further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, after a spate of attacks risked reigniting the Middle East war.
The US military said its Apache and Seahawk helicopters hit six Iranian boats threatening commercial shipping and its forces repelled missile and drones on Monday, while the UAE reported fresh Iranian attacks on its territory.
“We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; whilst we have not even started yet,” Ghalibaf wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, handling a significant portion of global crude exports. Any disruption in the area has immediate implications for international energy markets and global trade.
The renewed tensions come after US President Donald Trump announced a new maritime security initiative aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the Gulf under what has been described as “Project Freedom.” The initiative is intended to guarantee safe passage for ships stranded in the region amid the conflict.
However, Iran accused Washington of provoking instability in the Gulf and blamed the US military presence for the escalation.
“What happened was the product of the US military’s adventurism to create a passage for ships to illegally pass through the forbidden passages of the Strait of Hormuz,” an Iranian military official told state television.
Despite the tensions, Danish shipping giant Maersk confirmed that one of its vessels successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz under US military escort, marking one of the first successful commercial transits since hostilities intensified.
The crisis has also triggered international concern, with European leaders calling for restraint and a return to negotiations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that instability in the Gulf could have serious economic consequences for Europe and the wider global economy.
Global oil prices surged earlier this week as fears mounted over a possible prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while stock markets reacted nervously to the escalating conflict.
Though, indirect diplomatic efforts are ongoing, negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain stalled, with both sides accusing each other of undermining peace efforts in the region.
