US escorts, Iranian claims keep risks elevated
The latest movements came as military activity around the Strait of Hormuz intensified under Washington’s “Project Freedom” initiative to guide stranded vessels through the contested passage.
Danish shipping giant Maersk said one of its US-flagged commercial vessels, the Alliance Fairfax, exited the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz under US military protection on May 4, adding that the transit was completed “without incident” and all crew members were safe.
The passage came after two US Navy destroyers, the USS Truxtun and USS Mason, transited the strait and entered the Gulf after fending off Iranian missiles, drones and small boats, according to CBS News, which cited US defence officials.
Iranian media also reported on Tuesday that five civilians were killed when US forces targeted two small cargo boats in the Strait of Hormuz. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing a military source, said the boats were carrying cargo from Khasab, Oman, towards Iran, disputing Washington’s account that it had targeted Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping.
The competing accounts underscored the growing security risks facing commercial shipping in and around Hormuz.
US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump indefinitely.
Since April 13, the United States has enforced a naval blockade targeting maritime traffic going to and from Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the escalation, Tehran said it is reviewing Washington’s response to its latest 14-point proposal, leaving open the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough.
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