The ceasefire in the Middle East is on a tightrope, as the United Arab Emirates complained that the Iran launched attacks on targets inside their territory, while the US armed forces announced that they had destroyed six Iranian warships.
UAE authorities have blamed Iran for a drone attack on the country’s largest oil facility, in Fujairahwhere a fire broke out. This is the first such attack since the ceasefire began on April 7. In neighboring Oman, two people were wounded in an attack in the Buka district, near the border with the UAE, according to a state news agency.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said for its part that shot down Iranian missiles and drones that were headed for US military and merchant ships in the Straits of Hormuz area.
It remains unclear whether these attacks could cause the ceasefire to collapse and hostilities to resume. Tehran has not officially confirmed or denied its involvement, while an Iranian military official denied through state media the report of the vessels being destroyed.
Trump’s new threats to Iran
US President threatens Tehran to ‘disappear from the face of the earth’ if it attacks US ships participating in Operation “Freedom”to ensure navigation in the Straits of Hormuz.
The American president also emphasized that the US continues to send military forces to the region.
“We have more guns and better ammunition than we had before,” Trump said. “We have the best equipment. We have bases all over the world. All are stocked. We can use all these means, and we will, if necessary,” he said.
Tension in the Straits of Hormuz
A little while ago, Tehran warned that ships passing through the Straits they should coordinate with the Iranian authorities.
“We warn that any foreign military force that attempts to approach or enter the Straits of Hormuz will be targeted,” Lt. Gen. Ali Abdullahi told state-run IRIB television.
The South Korean government announced that an explosion had occurred on a ship of South Korean interests anchored in the Straits, off the United Arab Emirates. Donald Trump said in a social media post that Iran “launched an attack” on a South Korean cargo ship, without elaborating.
The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of targeting a tanker linked to the country’s main state oil company using two drones as it passed through the Straits.
Turmoil in the strategically important passage has put pressure on countries in Europe and Asia that depend on Gulf oil and gas, leading to a rise in prices worldwide.
At the same time, the US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13. The blockade has deprived Tehran of oil revenue, which is critical to prop up its struggling economy. US officials have expressed hope that pressure will force Iran to make concessions in negotiations over its controversial nuclear program and other long-standing issues.
Little progress in negotiations
At the same time, little progress has been made in the negotiations, as Iran’s latest proposal to end the war calls for the lifting of US sanctions, an end to the blockade of Hormuz, the withdrawal of military forces from the region and the cessation of all hostilities, including Israel’s operations in Lebanon, according to the semi-official Nour News and Tasnim agencies, which maintain close ties to the Iranian regime.
Tehran maintains that its proposal does not include issues concerning its nuclear program and enriched uranium — issues that are a perennial source of tension with the US and Israel.
According to the Iranian positions, the remaining issues should be resolved within 30 days, with the aim of ending the war and not extending the truce. Donald Trump expressed doubts over the weekend whether the proposal could lead to a deal.
