Last UpdateMay 5, 2026, 1:04 PM EDT

U.S. forces in the Strait of Hormuz are deflecting missile and drone attacks from Iran as they seek to open the strait under President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom.”

Covered by: Anders Hagstrom

WHAT TO KNOW

• Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten the fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
• Two U.S. Navy destroyers successfully transited the strait on Monday while fending off a barrage of small boats, missiles and drones.
• The United Arab Emirates also intercepted more than a dozen missiles launched from Iran on Monday.
• President Donald Trump has vowed Iran will be “blown off the face of the earth” if they continue attacking U.S. ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

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4 hours ago

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UAE activates air defenses in response to Iran missile threat

The United Arab Emirates says it activated its air defenses in response to a missile threat from Iran on Tuesday.

“Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates,” the UAE wrote.

The latest announcement comes just a day after the UAE shot down a dozen Iranian missiles on Monday.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

2 hours ago

German officials warn Islamist, far-left rhetoric driving spike in antisemitic attacks

Germany is facing a sharp rise in antisemitism, with officials warning that Islamist and left-wing extremist networks are exploiting the war in the Middle East to spread anti-Jewish rhetoric, mobilize supporters and contribute to harassment and violence against Jewish communities.

These groups are using the Israel–Hamas war and broader regional tensions as a pretext to amplify antisemitic narratives, according to a study by the Hessian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which includes accusations of “genocide” in Gaza and portrayals of Israel as a colonial state, language authorities say is increasingly being used to justify hostility and, in some cases, violence against Jews.

German Interior Minister Roman Poseck warned that the trend is escalating.

“Antisemitism is one of the greatest threats to our social cohesion — especially from Islamism and the left-wing extremist spectrum,” Poseck said in a statement.

The developments are raising broader concerns beyond Germany, as officials and Jewish leaders warn that similar patterns of antisemitic rhetoric tied to Middle East conflicts are emerging across Western democracies, including the United States. With Germany long seen as a bellwether due to its history and legal framework around hate speech, the findings are being viewed as a warning sign of how extremist narratives can move from the fringes into mainstream discourse.

Poseck, who commissioned the report of the Hessian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, warned of a deteriorating social climate, saying that “antisemitic sentiments are becoming increasingly intolerable, even in public spaces.” 

“I am deeply ashamed of what Jews in Germany have to endure 80 years after the end of the Second World War,” he continued. “We Germans, in particular, bear a lasting responsibility never to forget what happened.”

Forty-six of 102 Jewish communities surveyed in Germany reported antisemitic incidents, highlighting the growing scale of the threat, a new nationwide report by the Central Council of Jews in Germany found. 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Efrat Lachter.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

2 hours ago

CENTCOM posts photo of F-16 patrolling near Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Central Command released a photo of an F-16 fighter jet operating near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday amid President Donald Trump’s Project Freedom.

“A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet patrols near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces have a large amount of capability and firepower concentrated in and around the strait to extend a defensive umbrella to protect U.S. forces and defend commercial shipping,” CENTCOM wrote.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

2 hours ago

UAE condemns Iranian missile, drone attacks as US weighs NEW military action

Tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran fires on U.S. vessels and targets the UAE with missiles and drones.

Retired Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille discussed the U.S. military response and Project Freedom in an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

3 hours ago

US intercepts 6 ships trying to run American blockade during operation to open Strait of Hormuz

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed Tuesday that six ships attempted to bypass the U.S. military’s blockade of Iranian ports during the operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but they were all turned around.

“In fact, six ships tried to run the blockade out of Iranian ports as Project Freedom commenced, and they were all turned around,” Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump declared in a Truth Social post on Sunday that the U.S. would launch “Project Freedom” to help ships from other nations escape the Strait of Hormuz.

“To be clear, this operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury. Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope and temporary in duration, with one mission: protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression,” Hegseth said.

“Iran is the clear aggressor, harassing civilian vessels, threatening mariners from every nation indiscriminately, and weaponizing a critical chokepoint for its own financial benefit, or at least trying to,” he continued. “For too long, Iran has been harassing ships, shooting at civilian tankers from all nations and trying to impose a tolling system. Iran’s plan, a form of international extortion, is unacceptable. That ends with Project Freedom.”

Hegseth said Tuesday that “All of these ships from all around the world want to get out of the Iranian trap that they have been stuck inside.” 

“As a direct gift from the United States to the world, we have established a powerful red, white and blue dome over the strait. American destroyers are on station, supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones and surveillance aircraft, providing 24/7 overwatch for peaceful commercial vessels. Except Iran’s, of course. Which is why our ironclad blockade remains in full effect as well,” Hegseth added.

He also said, “We prefer this to be a peaceful operation, but are locked and loaded to defend our people, our ships, our aircraft, and this mission, without hesitation.”

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Greg Norman.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

3 hours ago

Trump says ‘lunatics’ in Iran would have obtained a nuclear weapon if not for US attack

President Donald Trump reiterated his belief that Iran would have soon obtained a nuclear weapon if the U.S. had not intervened.

Trump made the statement in the Oval Office on Tuesday after signing a proclamation creating a Presidential Fitness Test award. He was flanked by young students and educators during the event.

“We would have had an Iran with a nuclear weapon, and maybe we wouldn’t all be here right now,” Trump said. “The Middle East would’ve been gone. Israel would’ve been gone.”

Trump went on to call Iran’s leadership “sick” and “lunatics.”

“We’re not gonna let lunatics get a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

5 hours ago

IDF claims to have taken out Hamas commander who participated in Oct 7

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it eliminated Hamas Commander Anas Muhammad Ibrahim Hamed, who infiltrated Israel and participated in the Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival Massacre.

Hamed was killed during a targeted Monday strike in Gaza, the IDF announced Tuesday.

“The IDF struck yesterday in the center of the Gaza Strip and eliminated Ans Muhammad Ibrahim Hamed, Nukhba commander in the Hamas terror organization, who raided the territory of the State of Israel and the Nova festival during the murderous massacre on October 7,” the IDF wrote in a Tuesday morning post on X.

The IDF called Hamed an “immediate threat to IDF forces operating in the Gaza Strip,” and said he was “eliminated in a precise airstrike.”

The IDF said it has forces “deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.”

Nukhba, which is Arabic for elite, is the special forces for the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is Hamas’ military wing.

Both units were instrumental in the Oct. 7 massacre. The Al-Qassam Brigades planned and executed the attack, according to the IDF and the Counter Extremism Project. Of the 6,000 terrorists who invaded Israel during the attack, more than 3,800 were Nukhba fighters, the IDF stated in an August 2024 assessment.

The Oct. 7 attack resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 Israelis and prompted a sprawling Israeli military campaign in Gaza. During this campaign, the IDF eliminated two commanders of the al-Qassam Brigades and numerous other members of the group’s military leadership.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Robert McGreevy.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

5 hours ago

Macron announces call with Iranian president, urges return to ‘diplomatic negotiations’

French President Emmanuel Macron will speak with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.

Macron made the announcement to the press shortly before his call, which he said he was making at Pezeshkian’s request.

”France has maintained a consistent position from the start. We call for the cessation of all hostilities, the return to diplomatic negotiations, and respect for all countries in the region,” Macron said. “Tthe only possible option is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz … and the absence of any tolls or coercive measures.”

“Any unilateral escalation against tankers, container ships, or third countries is a mistake that fuels war and leads to escalation,” he added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

6 hours ago

Caine, Hegseth confirm US-Iran ceasefire is not over

War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine reaffirmed that the U.S. ceasefire with Iran has not ended.

Caine stated during a Pentagon press conference that Iran’s aggression has not risen to the levels that would require a resumption of full hostilities.

“Since the ceasefire was announced, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships, and they’ve attacked U.S. forces more than ten times – all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point,” Caine said.

Asked about the same issue later in the press conference, Hegseth affirms Caine’s statement.

“No, the ceasefire is not over,” he told reporters.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

6 hours ago

Iranian foreign minister to visit China before Trump-Xi summit

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit China this week, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday.

The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, comes a week before President Donald Trump is set to visit Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14-15.

Araghchi will meet with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.

The war in Iran is expected to be a major topic of discussion for Trump and Xi, in addition to trade talks.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

6 hours ago

Hegseth says US has established ‘red, white and blue dome’ over shipping in Strait of Hormuz

War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that the U.S. wants Project Freedom to be a “peaceful” operation, but the U.S. is prepared to strike if Iran intervenes.

Hegseth made the statement during a press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday, saying the U.S. military stands behind President Donald Trump’s call to protect international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“To what remains of Iran’s forces: If you attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower,” Hegseth said. “We’d prefer this to be a peaceful operation, but are locked and loaded to defend our people, our ships, our aircraft, and this mission without hesitation.”

Hegseth said earlier in the press conference that the U.S. is enforcing “a powerful red, white and blue dome over the strait.”

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

7 hours ago

US ‘not looking for a fight’ with Project Freedom as Hegseth calls Iran ‘clear aggressor’

War Secretary Pete Hegseth offered new details about the goals and duration of President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom” on Tuesday.

“This operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury. Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope and temporary in duration,” Hegseth said, adding that its mission is to protect international shipping from “Iranian aggression.”

“American forces won’t need to enter Iranian waters or airspace. That’s not necessary. We’re not looking for a fight, but Iran also cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway. Iran is the clear aggressor,” he added, citing Iran’s attacks on trade vessels from “every nation.”

Hegseth went on to condemn Iran’s actions as “international extortion.”

“As a direct gift from the United States to the world. We have established a powerful red, white and blue dome over the strait. American destroyers are on station, supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones and surveillance aircraft, providing 24 over seven overwatch for peaceful commercial vessels,” he added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

7 hours ago

Republicans ready ‘restraint’ on Trump’s war in Iran

Congress left Washington, D.C., without flexing its legal muscle against President Donald Trump’s Iran war, despite growing concern among Republicans about what comes next in the Middle East.

The 60-day deadline, enshrined into law by the War Powers Act Resolution, requires that Congress authorize or halt the war. That mark came and went Friday while lawmakers were back home.

While Senate Democrats have voted six times in lockstep to handcuff Trump’s war powers in Iran, Republicans broadly have not wanted to interfere with the administration’s plans.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he didn’t see a desire from most Republicans to take action on the deadline and noted that lawmakers were getting “readouts from our military leadership on a somewhat regular basis” to guide their decision-making.

Still, some Republicans want to put guardrails on Trump when Congress returns.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has been working on an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that she described as more than an authorization, but also a “restraint.”

“If we pass this 60-day mark from the start of hostilities with still a lack of a credible plan and information from the administration, it is one — it is something that I intend to introduce once the Senate reconvenes here,” Murkowski said.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Alex Miller.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

7 hours ago

Sen Lindsey Graham floats idea of more US attacks against Iranian ‘war machine’

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., floated the prospect of more U.S. attacks against Iran, suggesting that a large, but brief effort to target the Islamic Republic’s “war machine” would be justified.

In a Monday Truth Social post, President Donald Trump declared, “Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission! We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ Boats. It’s all they have left. Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”

Sharing a screenshot of Trump’s post, Graham agreed in a Monday post on X.

“Spot on, Mr. President. The combination of Iran’s attack against UAE’s vital infrastructure and continued attacks on international shipping, including a South Korean cargo ship, more than justifies a big, strong and short response to inflict further damage on Iran’s war machine,” Graham asserted in his post on X.

“The UAE has been a champion ally in this fight, doing everything that’s being asked of them and beyond. Iran’s recent brazen attack against the UAE tells me a lot about who’s in charge in Iran and the chance of a diplomatic solution any time soon. A forceful response on behalf of our ally, UAE, will reinforce that America is back as a reliable ally, helping to further wash away the damage caused by the Biden administration on this front,” the senator added.

Helicopters were utilized “just this morning to eliminate six Iranian small boats,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper noted on Monday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared in a post on X, “Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis. As talks are making progress with Pakistan’s gracious effort, the U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE. Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.”

The AAA national average price for regular gas has surged to $4.483 as of Tuesday.

“To the American people: I know gas prices are high, and I know we’re suffering right now. But you pay now, or you pay later against thugs like Iran. They tried to get a nuclear weapon, and if you don’t believe that you shouldn’t be allowed to drive in your hometown,” Graham said during a Monday night appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity.”

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Alex Nitzberg.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

8 hours ago

Trump opens Hormuz under fire with ‘Project Freedom’ as Iran warns of attacks

The U.S. operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is unfolding under fire, with American forces intercepting Iranian missiles and drones and destroying attack boats targeting commercial shipping as they begin moving vessels through one of the world’s most critical waterways.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited the strait under the effort, dubbed “Project Freedom,” even as Iranian officials rejected the claim as “baseless” and warned that any foreign military presence would be attacked.

President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian strike on U.S. vessels would be met with overwhelming force, saying Iran would be “blown off the face of the earth,” while a senior Iranian commander said American forces would be targeted if they “approach and enter” the strait.

The operation has quickly turned into a direct test of control over the strait, with U.S. forces moving ships under fire while Iran threatens to strike any foreign presence — a clash that could pull the two sides deeper into open conflict.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had taken “shots at unrelated Nations” during the operation, including a South Korean cargo ship, and suggested allies could join the effort. 

“Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission!” he wrote.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper told reporters that Iranian forces launched cruise missiles, drones and small boats at vessels under U.S. protection as the operation began, targeting primarily commercial shipping as well as some U.S. Navy ships.

U.S. forces responded by intercepting the attacks and destroying six Iranian small boats, Cooper said, adding that American forces “defeated each and every one of those threats.”

He said the two U.S.-flagged ships transited the strait “uneventfully” and that additional vessels are expected to begin moving to take advantage of the passage.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Morgan Phillips.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

8 hours ago

USS Truxtun, USS Mason come under ‘sustained’ Iranian attack in Strait of Hormuz: report

Two U.S. Navy destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian fire Monday as the vessels came under a barrage of small boats, missiles and drones, according to reports.

The USS Truxtun and USS Mason were backed by fighter aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters during the encounter, with officials describing it as a “sustained barrage,” the CBS report said.

Despite the attack, neither of the destroyers was impacted, with forces intercepting or deterring each threat.

Fox News’ Emma Bussey contributed to this report.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom