Dubai/Tehran/Washington, May 4, 2026: Regional tensions intensified sharply on Monday after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of launching fresh drone and missile attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the transfer of a seized Iranian vessel and its crew to Pakistan for repatriation.
Authorities in Fujairah said a fire erupted at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone following what officials described as a drone attack originating from Iran. Civil defence teams were immediately deployed to contain the blaze, according to the Fujairah Media Office.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that air defence systems intercepted three missiles allegedly fired from Iran over the country’s territorial waters, while a fourth projectile reportedly crashed into the sea. Officials said explosions heard across parts of the country were caused by defensive systems engaging aerial threats.
There was no immediate official response from Tehran regarding the allegations.
UAE accuses Iran of attacking ADNOC tanker
The latest escalation came as the UAE accused Iran of targeting an empty crude oil tanker belonging to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while it was transiting through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
ADNOC’s maritime logistics unit said the tanker, identified as Barakah, was struck by two drones but was empty at the time of the attack, with no casualties reported.
The UAE Foreign Ministry condemned what it called “unprovoked attacks” and urged Iran to cease hostilities and ensure the “complete and unconditional reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a tanker in the strait had been hit by unidentified projectiles.
Iran claims warning action against US warships
Iranian officials meanwhile claimed their forces had forced a US warship to retreat from the Strait of Hormuz after warning shots and missile activity near the strategic waterway.
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that two missiles struck a US warship near the port of Jask, causing it to reverse course. However, CENTCOM denied that any American naval vessel had been hit.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iranian forces had fired warning shots but said it remained unclear whether any damage had occurred.
CENTCOM later confirmed that US guided-missile destroyers were operating in the Arabian Gulf in support of “Project Freedom,” a newly launched American initiative aimed at restoring safe commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The command stated that US forces were assisting commercial shipping and confirmed that two US-flagged merchant vessels had already successfully transited the strait.
Iranian state media and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any foreign military transit through the waterway would require authorization from Iranian armed forces.
Iran reviewing US peace proposal sent through Pakistan
Amid the escalating military rhetoric, Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tehran is reviewing a US peace proposal transmitted through Pakistan.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the proposal was received through Pakistani channels but stressed that Tehran’s immediate priority remained ending the conflict.
Baghaei criticized Washington for what he called “excessive and unreasonable demands,” saying the proposal was still under review and discussions about Iran’s nuclear programme remained speculative at this stage.
IRGC unveils new Hormuz control map
Iranian state media also reported that the IRGC Navy released a new map outlining areas of the Strait of Hormuz under its claimed control, stretching between Iran’s Qeshm Island and the UAE coastline near Fujairah and Umm al Quwain.
The move was widely interpreted as part of Tehran’s efforts to assert greater military and strategic authority over one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
US launches ‘project freedom’
The latest developments followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington would begin “Project Freedom” to assist stranded commercial ships and tankers trapped in the Gulf amid the prolonged conflict.
According to CENTCOM, the operation involves over 15,000 military personnel, more than 100 aircraft, naval assets, and drones to secure navigation routes and support merchant shipping through the region.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the operation was essential for safeguarding global trade and regional stability.
US hands over seized Iranian vessel crew to Pakistan
In another significant development, US media reported that Washington had transferred the crew of an intercepted Iranian vessel to Pakistan for repatriation.
According to CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins, 22 crew members of the Iranian ship M/V Touska were evacuated to Pakistan after the vessel was seized by US naval forces in the Gulf of Oman on April 19 for allegedly attempting to breach restrictions on Iranian ports.
The US military said the ship itself would also be returned through Pakistani territorial waters after undergoing necessary repairs.
Iranian media reported that six additional passengers transferred earlier included family members of crew personnel.
The developments come amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Gulf region, with growing concerns over maritime security, energy supplies, and the risk of a wider regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Gulf states.
