Strait of Hormuz Crisis Escalates as US Launches Project Freedom Amid Iranian Blockade and Clashes
60Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz following a US-Israeli attack on February 28, prompting a US counter-blockade and the launch of Project Freedom to escort cargo ships. Disputes persist over naval incidents, including US claims of sinking Iranian boats and Iranian assertions of civilian casualties. Regional and international actors have condemned a suspected Iranian strike on a UAE oil facility, while talks mediated by Pakistan continue amid threats from both sides.