Washington,(Parliament Times):Tensions in the Middle East remain high as the United States and Iran exchange accusations and limited military actions despite an ongoing ceasefire. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the truce is still intact, emphasizing that Washington is not seeking escalation. He described the newly launched US mission, “Project Freedom,” as a temporary and defensive effort aimed solely at protecting commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to Hegseth, the operation does not require US forces to enter Iranian territory and is focused on deterring threats to maritime traffic. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump initiated the operation after Iran effectively restricted movement through the strait following the outbreak of hostilities involving the US and Israel in late February.
Iran, however, has rejected US claims and blamed Washington for escalating tensions. An Iranian military official denied responsibility for a fire at Fujairah port in the UAE, instead accusing the US of “military adventurism” aimed at forcing passage through contested waters. Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, argued that US actions have undermined the ceasefire and endangered regional shipping and energy routes.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor for global oil and commodity supplies, has been largely disrupted, triggering price volatility worldwide. Reports of explosions, fires on vessels, and attacks on oil infrastructure have added to the uncertainty, though many claims from both sides remain unverified.
Complicating matters further, alternative routes suggested through Omani waters have been described as unsafe due to shallow and rocky conditions. Iranian media reported that some vessels attempting this passage became stranded.
Conflicting narratives persist over recent developments. While US officials claim successful escort of commercial ships through the strait, Iran denies such crossings and accuses US forces of targeting civilian boats. Incidents involving damaged vessels, including a South Korean ship experiencing an onboard fire, remain under investigation.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that there is no military solution and highlighting mediation efforts involving Pakistan.
Separately, tensions continue along the Israel-Lebanon front despite a ceasefire declared in April. Israeli forces have reportedly conducted hundreds of strikes in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah claims ongoing attacks against Israeli positions. Casualties have been reported on both sides, underscoring the fragile nature of ceasefire arrangements across the region.