Washington/Tehran, May 9, 2026: The United States and Iran appeared no closer to ending months of conflict despite an ongoing but fragile ceasefire, as sporadic clashes continued in and around the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic negotiations remained stalled.
The latest escalation comes amid renewed tensions in the Gulf region, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire that has technically remained in place since April 7.
Speaking at the White House, Donald Trump warned that Washington could escalate its military posture in the Strait of Hormuz if an agreement with Tehran is not finalised.
Trump said the United States could revive and expand the previously paused “Project Freedom” naval operation, hinting at a broader strategy dubbed “Project Freedom Plus.”
“We may go back to Project Freedom if things don’t happen,” Trump told reporters. “It’ll be Project Freedom Plus, meaning Project Freedom plus other things.”
The US president also claimed that Pakistan, which is reportedly mediating indirect talks between Washington and Tehran, had urged the US not to resume the military operation.
Meanwhile, a reported intelligence assessment by the Central Intelligence Agency suggested that Iran could withstand a US-led naval blockade for several months before facing severe economic pressure.
According to reports, the assessment concluded that Tehran’s economic resilience may limit Washington’s leverage in negotiations over ending the conflict and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, a senior US intelligence official later dismissed the interpretation of the report, insisting that the blockade was already inflicting significant economic damage by disrupting trade routes and reducing Iranian revenue streams.
Iranian media reported sporadic confrontations between Iranian forces and US naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The US military said it targeted two Iran-linked vessels attempting to enter an Iranian port, forcing them to retreat after strikes damaged their smokestacks.
Iran has significantly restricted non-Iranian shipping through the strategically important waterway since the conflict erupted following joint US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28.
The strait, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies traditionally pass, remains central to global energy security concerns. Oil prices climbed sharply amid the tensions, with Brent crude rising above $101 per barrel.
The conflict has increasingly spread across the Gulf region. United Arab Emirates authorities said air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones allegedly launched from Iran, leaving three people moderately injured.
Iran has denied responsibility for the attacks but has repeatedly warned Gulf states hosting US military bases against supporting Washington’s operations.
The UAE described the latest incident as a “major escalation” following increased regional tensions linked to the proposed US maritime security operation.
Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of repeatedly undermining diplomatic efforts.
“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure,” Araghchi said.
Iranian media also reported casualties following an alleged US Navy strike on an Iranian commercial vessel late Thursday, claiming one crew member was killed while several others were wounded or missing.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was still awaiting Tehran’s official response to a US proposal aimed at formally ending the war before broader negotiations on contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, begin.
Rubio, speaking in Rome after meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also criticised allies for not more strongly supporting US efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, the United States Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against 10 individuals and companies, including entities based in China and Hong Kong, accused of helping Iran procure materials for its military drone programme.
US officials said Washington remained prepared to intensify economic measures targeting Iran’s military-industrial network and warned foreign companies against facilitating illicit Iranian trade.
The announcement comes ahead of Trump’s planned visit to China for talks with Xi Jinping amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
