New Delhi, May 5: Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating once again after a two-week ceasefire. In the past 24 hours, attacks have resumed between the two nations. Following an Iranian strike on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a massive fire broke out at an oil facility in the UAE.
UAE officials reported that Iran launched drone and rocket attacks targeting the UAE on Monday. UAE air defense successfully intercepted 19 Iranian missiles and drones. However, a drone attack in the Fujairah oil industry zone resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals.
Additionally, the U.S. claimed that Iran attacked a South Korean vessel. The South Korean government has ordered an investigation into the incident. According to a spokesperson from the South Korean Foreign Ministry, an explosion occurred on a ship linked to South Korea in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire. The Panama-flagged vessel had 24 crew members, including six South Koreans, and was docked near the UAE before the explosion.
The ministry stated that the cause of the explosion and fire is still unknown, and the government is checking the details of the damage. They added, “The government will closely communicate with relevant countries and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of our ships and crew members in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, 26 South Korean vessels have been stranded in the Strait. U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated on his Truth Social platform that Iran fired upon a South Korean cargo ship.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Navy reported that it fired warning shots near a U.S. Navy destroyer operating close to the Strait of Hormuz. According to state broadcaster IRIB, the Navy detected the U.S. destroyer and fired warning shots, cautioning about the consequences of such actions.
In response to the Iranian attack on the UAE, President Trump warned the Iranian military that any attempt to target U.S. vessels in the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf would result in their annihilation.
On Monday afternoon (local time), Trump stated on Truth Social that the military had downed seven Iranian boats when Tehran attempted to target other vessels passing through the area.
Several missiles and drones targeted the UAE on Monday, including an attack on an oil plant in Fujairah, which resulted in a fire. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a projectile struck a tanker seven nautical miles north of Fujairah.
The UAE condemned the drone attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UAE’s state oil company ADNOC, two drones attacked the MV Barakah tanker near the coast of Oman. However, the ship was empty at the time of the attack.
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the targeting of commercial vessels and the use of the Strait of Hormuz for economic pressure or blackmail, equating it to “maritime piracy.” The ministry accused the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out this action, labeling it a violation of international regulations and detrimental to regional stability.
According to the UAE, this incident has further heightened tensions in an already sensitive region. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for global oil supply, and any instability here could impact international energy markets and maritime security.
Iranian state media reported that the six so-called Iranian small boats targeted by the U.S. military in the Strait of Hormuz were not affiliated with the IRGC but were civilian vessels carrying goods and passengers, resulting in five casualties.
A military official informed the Tasnim News Agency that following the U.S. report of the attacks, Iranian officials investigated and found that the U.S. military had attacked two small cargo boats carrying civilians heading from Khasab towards the Iranian coast.
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Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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