U.S. insists Iran ceasefire not over despite attacks in Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• The ceasefire in the Middle East is at risk as the U.S. and Iran exchanged attacks and threats over President Trump's "Project Freedom," aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping.
• Iran attacked U.S. Navy and commercial ships with missiles, drones, and small boats, while the U.S. destroyed eight Iranian boats; despite these clashes, U.S. officials insist the ceasefire remains intact and major combat has not resumed.
• The U.S. military is actively escorting commercial vessels through the strait, with hundreds of ships lining up to transit, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the current operations are defensive, not offensive.
• Iran denied successful commercial ship crossings and claimed no damage to its navy, with top Iranian officials warning that the conflict is far from over and criticizing the U.S. mission as futile.
• The United Arab Emirates reported repelling a large missile and drone attack from Iran, causing injuries and damage, while regional and international actors, including China and Pakistan, are urged to mediate and prevent escalation.