Emirate capital on the Gulf of Oman; part of the UAE
The US has paused its Project Freedom operation to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz after saying "great progress" has been made in negotiations with Iran and at Pakistan's request. Iran's IRGC has said it will ensure safe transit under new procedures, while tensions and attacks in the strait are continuing to disrupt shipping.
Today, Iran has launched missiles, cruise missiles, drones and fast boats that have struck vessels and an oil facility in the UAE's Fujairah and the Strait of Hormuz. The US military has said it has fired on Iranian forces while escorting merchant ships through the strait and President Trump has warned Iran it will be "blown off the face of the earth" if it hits US ships.
The U.S. has launched Project Freedom to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s actions and a new map of expanded maritime claims heighten tensions. UAE reports attacks on Fujairah and Iran signals continued pressure, while markets react to oil and energy disruptions.
UK maritime authorities have reported that an unidentified vessel has been seized by unauthorized personnel near Fujairah, northeast of the Strait of Hormuz. The seizure coincides with ongoing regional tensions as Iran accuses regional actors of aggression and Brics members discuss responses. No crew details or responsibility have been established, while separate incidents involve an Indian livestock carrier sunk off Oman and ongoing diplomatic exchanges surrounding the strait.
The UAE has directed ADNOC to fast-track the West-East Pipeline, targeting 2027 operation as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz persist. The move follows Abu Dhabi’s exit from OPEC and aims to boost capacity beyond 1.8 million bpd via Fujairah, reinforcing Gulf export routes.
The operation near the Strait of Hormuz uses ship-to-ship transfers to move oil from Gulf fleets to international vessels. Since early May, about 92 ships have participated, with large-scale activity seen in mid-June. The Apache helicopter downing and US responses feature in the latest developments; officials say no Central Command forces are directly involved in the transfers.