US says offensive operations against Iran are over as Strait of Hormuz tensions rise
The United States says its offensive operations against Iran have ended, even as fresh warnings and reported attacks in the Strait of Hormuz raised concern that the ceasefire could unravel.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the initial US-Israeli offensive in Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, had reached its objectives.
He said Washington preferred a path of peace, while also warning of a strong response to any new threat to shipping.
The immediate concern is the waterway itself.
Late on Tuesday, UK Maritime Trade Operations said a verified source had reported a cargo vessel struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, although further details were not immediately available.
The United Arab Emirates said its air defences were engaging missiles and drones from Iran for a second day in a row.
Iran denied launching any attacks, with a military spokesman saying it would have announced such action clearly if it had taken place.
The developments matter because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for energy shipments and commercial traffic, and the rows show how quickly the ceasefire environment is becoming more fragile.
The US said it was trying to guide stranded ships out of the Gulf through the largely closed waterway.
Rubio's comments came after a series of claims and counterclaims between Washington and Tehran.
Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf said shipping security and energy transit had been jeopardised by the US and its allies, while Tehran said it was only getting started.
The reported vessel strike followed earlier claims that the US had attacked Iranian fast boats in the strait, which Iran denied.
