Tensions in the Gulf have escalated sharply after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of launching two ballistic missiles towards its territory, both of which fell into the sea. At the same time, US President Donald Trump posted a map describing the Strait of Hormuz as “New US Territory”, prompting an angry response from Tehran.
The confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz is entering an increasingly dangerous phase.
The UAE said its air defences detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran. According to the Emirati authorities, one fell outside the country’s territorial waters while the second landed within UAE territorial waters. Neither missile reached land.
Earlier, authorities issued a warning to residents over a possible missile threat, urging people to immediately seek shelter in the nearest protected building.
Trump calls Hormuz “New US Territory”
The situation was further inflamed after Donald Trump posted a map of the Strait of Hormuz on Truth Social carrying the words “New US Territory”.
Iran reacted angrily.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump’s claim as an “illusion” and warned that Tehran would “correct” it if necessary.
The dispute over control of the waterway has become one of the central points of tension between Washington and Tehran.
Trump says no talks with Iran
Trump also said there were no talks underway or planned with Iran, adding that the US naval blockade remained in place and claiming the Strait of Hormuz was open and operational.
Iran, however, is presenting a completely different position.
Tehran says the strait will remain closed until the United States honours what Iran describes as the terms of an interim agreement, including lifting the maritime blockade and oil sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets and ending military threats and operations.
Ship hit in the Strait of Hormuz
Concerns are also growing over commercial shipping.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that an unidentified vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident reportedly damaged the engine room and injured one crew member. Oman’s Coast Guard was providing assistance.
There was no immediate indication of who fired the projectile.
Gaza and Syria tensions continue
The wider region remains unstable.
Palestinian media reported that six people, including a child, were killed in an Israeli strike near the port of Gaza City. The Israeli military said it had targeted Hamas commanders who were planning attacks against its forces.
Washington has also described reported Israeli strikes on a military airport in north-western Syria as an “unnecessary escalation”, saying they risk further destabilising the region.
New Gaza disarmament proposal
Meanwhile, the Board of Peace is reportedly considering changing its Gaza proposal from a gradual Hamas disarmament process to a single-stage handover of all weapons followed by a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
The proposal reportedly emerged during talks between Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Region moving closer to a breaking point
The latest developments underline how rapidly the situation is deteriorating.
Washington is increasing pressure on Iran, Tehran is issuing increasingly confrontational warnings, and the UAE is now reporting missile launches directed towards its territory.
At the same time, commercial shipping remains at risk and fighting continues elsewhere across the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors, is once again at risk of becoming the flashpoint that turns a regional confrontation into a much broader international crisis.
