Iran's state television quoted a military official on 4/5, stating that the attack on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was a direct consequence of "reckless US military action" aimed at creating an illegal passage for ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The official added, "The US military must be held responsible for this."
Iran asserted it had "no predetermined plan" to attack energy facilities in the UAE.
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Black smoke rises from the Fujairah port area in the UAE after the 4/5 attack, attributed to Iran. *Photo: X/ The Hormuz Letter*
Earlier that day, the UAE accused Iran of launching a fresh wave of attacks with missiles and drones, resulting in one drone causing a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industrial Zone and injuring three Indian citizens. Abu Dhabi characterized the action as a "dangerous escalation," particularly as a ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since 8/4.
The Iranian official further urged, "US officials must cease their deplorable behavior of using force in diplomatic processes and halt military adventures in this sensitive oil-rich region, which could impact the global economy."
US President Donald Trump announced "Operation Freedom" on 3/5, stating that US forces would assist vessels in navigating out of the Gulf. He described it as a humanitarian effort to aid crews stranded by conflict.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on X on 4/5 that it had deployed destroyers to the Persian Gulf and safely escorted the first two US-flagged cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently denied this report.
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Location of ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. *Graphic: WSJ*
Iran had previously warned it would attack any US units entering Hormuz. Iranian media reported that Iranian forces fired warning shots, forcing a US warship to turn back, while local sources claimed two missiles struck the warship near Jask Island. Conversely, the US maintained that no US warship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military stated it destroyed six Iranian boats and intercepted numerous missiles and drones launched by Tehran targeting vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran promptly denied these claims.
By Thanh Tam (According to AFP)
