(Bloomberg) – The United States Department of Defense said its ceasefire with Iran remains in place despite renewed clashes in and around the Strait of Hormuz, where vessel attacks and missile strikes have heightened risks to global oil shipping.
Speaking at the Pentagon, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said recent Iranian attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf and strikes on the UAE did not constitute a breach of the truce. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the ceasefire remains intact, even as tensions escalate.
The flare-up follows the launch of “Project Freedom,” a U.S. operation aimed at escorting stranded commercial vessels through Hormuz. At least two merchant ships have transited the waterway under U.S. protection, with American naval forces repelling drone, missile and small-boat attacks during the passage.
More than 1,500 vessels and roughly 22,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, underscoring the scale of disruption to global energy trade flows. Iran has warned commercial shipping against transiting the strait without its approval.
Recent attacks included strikes on a South Korean bulk carrier and a tanker linked to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. There were no reported fatalities, though injuries were reported in a separate strike on oil infrastructure in Fujairah.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global crude and LNG exports, has remained effectively constrained since the conflict began earlier this year, contributing to heightened volatility in oil markets.
Oil prices initially surged on renewed tensions before retreating slightly, reflecting uncertainty over the durability of the ceasefire and the outlook for shipping flows.
U.S. officials said the naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect and emphasized readiness to resume broader military operations if necessary. At the same time, Washington is urging other nations to support efforts to stabilize shipping through the region.
The latest developments highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the continued risk to global oil supply chains, particularly as negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remain stalled.
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