Tensions Escalate: Iran Allows Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Blockade

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy reported that it had allowed more than 25 ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. These included oil tankers. This statement comes amid an effective blockade of this strategic waterway by Iran since the start of the war with the United States and Israel on 28 February. Despite the ceasefire, Washington has maintained a naval blockade since 13 April. Iran has demanded that all ships obtain permission from its armed forces before passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates has called on Iraq to immediately halt hostile attacks from its soil after a drone strike targeting a nuclear facility in Abu Dhabi. According to an AFP report, the Emirati Foreign Ministry has called on the Iraqi government to intervene immediately and unconditionally to prevent further cross-border attacks. This comes after a military incident on 17 May 202. An unidentified nuclear power plant was targeted near the Barak nuclear power plant.