Iran ceases fire, control of Strait of Hormuz tested as US directs ships to Iranian fire
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Saudi Arabia calls for “detente, restraint” and diplomacy amid “militarization in the region”
After Iran launched its first attack on its Persian Gulf neighbor in nearly a month on Monday, lashing out as the U.S. launched an operation to target tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the Saudi Arabian government issued an invitation for “detente, containment” and negotiations.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the “escalation of militancy in the region” and called for “decline, restraint, and support for Pakistan’s mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution that prevents the region from falling into further conflict and instability, which is not in the interest of the region or the world.”
The Saudi government reiterated “the importance of restoring international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to its normal state,” demanding that all ships “ensure that they move safely and securely without restrictions.”
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Senior Iranian official says “the current situation is intolerable” in the US, and Iran “hasn’t even begun”
Iran’s top diplomat in talks with the United States warned on Tuesday that his country has “not even begun” in its dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
“We know very well that the continuation of the current situation will not be tolerated in America; while we have not started yet,” said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in a communication.
Ghalibaf, who is also the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, said that the action of the US and its allies put the security of the ships at risk but said that “their presence will decrease.”
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South Korea will review joining the US Hormuz operation
South Korea said on Tuesday it would “review its stance” on joining US operations in the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump urged Seoul to take part in what he called “Project Freedom,” following Iran’s apparent attack on one of its ships.
An explosion and fire were reported on a South Korean cargo ship on Monday in the main waterway, which has been effectively blocked since the outbreak of the Mideast conflict on February 28.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that all 24 crew members aboard the HMM Namu – including six South Koreans – were unharmed and that the fire on board had been “completely extinguished.”
Mr. Trump said the incident should prompt South Korea to join U.S. efforts to steer ships stuck in the port, a major oil export route that Seoul relies on.
On Tuesday, South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it would “carefully review our situation” but did not commit to any change.
Seoul will consider its position based on international law, the security of international sea lanes, its cooperation with the United States and the security situation on the Korean peninsula, the ministry said.
It added that it was “actively participating in international discussions on cooperation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
HMM Namu is about 590 feet long and sails under the flag of Panama, data from the MarineTraffic show tracking site shows.
CBS/AFP
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Maersk says the ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz under US escort
Danish giant Maersk said on Tuesday that one of its ships had successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz under US escort.
The ship, the US-flagged Alliance Fairfax, had been stuck in the Gulf since the outbreak of war in February and was “given the opportunity” to leave under US military escort, Maersk said in a statement.
“The ship then left the Persian Gulf escorted by US military equipment” on May 4, the company said, adding that “the voyage was completed without incident, and all crew members are safe and unharmed.”
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2 US Navy destroyers pass through the Strait of Hormuz after escaping an Iranian attack
Two U.S. Navy destroyers passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf after navigating the Iranian Strait, according to defense officials who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity to discuss national security issues.
The USS Truxtun and USS Mason, supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft, faced a series of joint threats during the passage, defense officials said. Iran has launched small boats, missiles and drones against them in what officials have described as continued violence.
Despite the intensity of the attack, no American ships were hit.
Military officials said the defenses, bolstered by air support, successfully intercepted or neutralized each incoming threat. They added that no projectiles were launched that reached the ships.
Read more here.
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Iran’s foreign minister says “talks are progressing,” but Project Freedom cannot solve the political crisis
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that talks with the US are progressing but criticized the US military’s Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The events in Hormuz make it clear that there is no military solution to the political crisis,” Araghchi said in a post on social media. “As negotiations progress with Pakistan’s benevolent effort, the US should be wary of being dragged into the mess by ill-wishers. So should the UAE.”
“Project Freedom is Project Deadlock,” he added.
