Iran launched attacks on the UAE and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz while the U.S. destroyed Iranian boats "that attempted to interfere" with Project Freedom.

Iran launches drone and missile attacks on the UAE and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US sinks Iranian boats and downs drones. Ceasefire tensions rise as global powers react, and oil markets surge with Brent crude hitting $114 amid escalating Middle East conflict.

The US president is pledging to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. But "Project Freedom" is a risky exercise that threatens to shatter a shaky ceasefire.

Marco Rubio later told reporters that the US had achieved its military objectives since launching the campaign on February 28 alongside Israel, and declared that Operation Epic Fury has concluded.

The U.S. says it will protect civilian commercial vessels that have unable to travel through the Strait of Hormuz for weeks.

President Donald Trump said he is pausing "Project Freedom," the U.S. military's bid to guide commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ⁠U.S. warship ​intending ‌to ‌pass ⁠through the ⁠Strait of Hormuz ​was ​turned back after ⁠ignoring Iran's ⁠warning, ⁠Fars news ​agency reported ​on ⁠Monday ⁠citing local sources, adding that ⁠two missiles hit it when it was ⁠sailing near Jask island.