The ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in effect despite renewed clashes around the Strait of Hormuz, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday. He confirmed that President Donald Trump will decide when the truce ends, indicating Washington’s willingness to tolerate limited Iranian attacks during efforts to reopen the waterway under “Project Freedom.” Hegseth emphasized that this mission is separate from the broader US-Israeli campaign against Iran, known as “Epic Fury.”

The Pentagon chief said the US has secured the strait and is coordinating with shipping companies and insurers to restore maritime traffic, though most vessels remain stalled. Monday saw the most intense fighting since the April 8 truce, with both sides reporting attacks and casualties. Iran claimed strikes on US ships, while Washington said it destroyed seven Iranian boats. A South Korean vessel and UAE facilities were also hit.

Oil prices have surged since the conflict began, driving inflation in the US and posing political risks ahead of November’s midterm elections. Hegseth said the US operation is temporary and will eventually be handed over to other nations, though allies have so far declined to join.

The United States Navy has launched a military operation called “Project Freedom” to secure safe passage for commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz, according to a US Central Command spokesperson. The operation, which has just begun, aims to reopen the vital waterway that has been effectively sealed by Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran that started on February 28. US officials said the initiative is defensive, temporary, and focused on protecting international shipping from Iranian threats involving mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that ten civilian sailors have died in the conflict and that the US Navy destroyed seven Iranian fast boats. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said thousands of commercial vessels remain stranded, while two US-flagged ships have reportedly crossed the strait under military escort. Iran denied any crossings and rejected accusations of attacking the United Arab Emirates, though it admitted firing warning shots at a US warship.

Analysts warned that the operation increases the risk of miscalculation between the US and Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issued new navigation corridors and threatened a decisive response to violations, while US leaders insisted Iran cannot block international commerce.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that Iran will face a strong military response if any commercial vessel is attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference on Tuesday, he issued a clear message to Tehran, urging it not to carry out any form of assault on ships in the strategic waterway.

Hegseth stated that during the ongoing 'Operation Project Freedom,' any targeting of commercial ships would trigger a major military strike against Iran. He added that the United States has established a robust defense system in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure global security.

According to Hegseth, any attack on a vessel would bring serious consequences for Iran, underscoring Washington’s commitment to maintaining maritime safety in the region.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States does not want any conflict with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, he said Washington is taking necessary steps to ensure free and safe navigation in this vital maritime route. The US has launched an initiative called 'Operation Project Freedom' aimed at protecting international shipping lanes.

Hegseth clarified that the US effort to keep the Strait open does not require entering Iranian airspace or waters. He emphasized that the United States seeks neither tension nor confrontation. According to him, although Iran claims control over the Strait, it does not actually hold such control.

The Defense Secretary added that maintaining stability in this strategically important waterway remains the United States’ primary objective.

A series of Ukrainian drone attacks on an oil refinery and terminal in Tuapse, a coastal city on Russia’s Black Sea, has triggered a severe environmental crisis. The refinery, hit four times in two weeks, caught fire again last Friday, releasing toxic smoke that led to ‘black rain’ falling over the area. Around 30 miles of coastline have been contaminated by spilled oil. Environmentalists have described the incident as one of Russia’s worst ecological disasters since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Thick, acrid smoke has blanketed Tuapse’s skies, and residents report oily, poisonous droplets falling from the air. Vladimir Slivyak, head of the environmental group Ecodefense, warned that carcinogenic substances such as benzene are present, posing serious health risks. Dead fish and dolphins have washed ashore, while local anger grows over what residents see as government indifference. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the attacks but dismissed them as “no major threat.”

Authorities have reportedly restricted internet and Telegram use to control information. The Kyiv School of Economics estimates Russia’s revenue losses at about $2.2 billion, with refinery reconstruction possibly costing $5 billion. Schools in Tuapse remain closed, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid tap water.

Elon Musk has agreed to pay a $1.5 million fine to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to settle a lawsuit accusing him of failing to disclose his Twitter (now X) share purchases on time. The case, filed in January 2025 just before President Donald Trump took office, alleged that Musk misled investors by delaying disclosure of acquiring more than 5% of Twitter’s shares in 2022, before taking ownership of the social media platform. A filing on Monday revealed that a Musk trust will pay the fine, though Musk has not admitted any wrongdoing. The settlement will be finalized once approved by the court.

The SEC had initially sought more than $200 million in penalties, claiming that Musk’s delay deprived ordinary investors of over $150 million in potential gains. Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, described the fine as minor and said it resolves all issues related to filing delays during the Twitter acquisition. An SEC spokesperson noted that if approved, this would mark the largest penalty ever imposed by the agency for failure to disclose share ownership on time.

Despite the settlement, Musk still faces a separate class-action lawsuit from investors over the same issue.

Austria has expelled three employees of the Russian Embassy in Vienna on charges of espionage. Authorities said the diplomats used embassy facilities for surveillance and intelligence activities. The decision followed an investigation into suspicious monitoring equipment found on the roof of the Russian diplomatic building in Vienna, which was suspected of intercepting satellite communications of international organizations.

Officials stated that the three expelled staff members were believed to be involved in the operation. Austria requested the withdrawal of their diplomatic immunity, but Russia did not respond within the given timeframe. Consequently, the individuals were declared persona non grata and have already left Austria. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that the government maintains a strict stance against espionage and will not tolerate misuse of diplomatic privileges.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, Austria has intensified scrutiny of Russian activities in Vienna. The country has expelled a total of 14 Russian diplomats since 2022, though around 220 Russian personnel remain active in various missions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched 'Operation Freedom'—also referred to as 'Project Freedom'—aimed at countering Iran’s influence and control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The operation seeks to escort commercial vessels under U.S. protection to test Iran’s blockade capacity. According to U.S. national security analyst Mark Fivel, the narrow waterway has become a chokepoint, and Washington is attempting to expand its influence by breaking Iran’s hold.

Analysts say the mission’s name was changed from 'Epic Fury' to 'Operation Freedom' to reassure hesitant allies and frame the campaign as a humanitarian effort. Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs Mark Kimmitt told Al Jazeera that the rebranding signals a strategic shift, emphasizing the resumption of oil and fertilizer exports through the strait as a legitimate goal.

Behind the scenes, Pakistan is mediating indirect talks between Iran and the United States. Although Washington’s response to Iran’s 14-point proposal has been lukewarm, Kimmitt believes maintaining dialogue remains essential, especially if both sides focus on ensuring the flow of essential goods through the region.

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the country would be wiped off the map if it attacks American ships operating under 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz. He made the remarks during an interview on Fox News, emphasizing that the United States would respond decisively to any aggression against its naval forces.

Trump stated that he believes Iran has become much more flexible in peace negotiations. He also highlighted the importance of increasing US military presence in the region, suggesting that American forces are well-equipped and ready to act if necessary.

According to Trump, the United States now possesses a vast arsenal of advanced weapons and ammunition, along with a global network of military bases filled with equipment. He reiterated that the US is prepared to use all available resources if required. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

A Muslim residential community named Epic City is being planned in Hunt and Collin counties, Texas, covering 402 acres. The project includes over a thousand residential plots, a faith-based K–12 school, commercial and retail centers, and a mosque. It will not be a new city and will remain under Texas state law. The development is envisioned as a central hub for Islam in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office launched an investigation to determine whether the project violated the Fair Housing Act or imposed discriminatory financial conditions requiring owners to subsidize religious facilities. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have opposed the project, citing concerns about potential implementation of Sharia law, and Paxton has filed multiple lawsuits to halt it.

Last week, a Travis County district judge ruled that the Texas Workforce Commission must honor a settlement agreement and withdraw from the fair housing investigation. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) supported the project, calling the opposition politically motivated and rooted in Islamophobia.

The Kremlin has significantly increased security measures for Russian President Vladimir Putin amid fears of assassination and coup attempts, according to a European intelligence report obtained by CNN. The report states that heightened protection follows a series of targeted killings of senior military figures and growing concerns about internal plots. Surveillance has been installed in the homes of Putin’s close aides, and staff such as cooks, bodyguards, and photographers are now barred from using public transport. Visitors must undergo double screening, and close associates are restricted to using phones without internet access.

The report links these measures to the December killing of a top general and notes that Putin has reduced his travel, avoiding his Valdai retreat and military site visits in 2026. It also highlights economic strain and public frustration in major Russian cities due to the ongoing war. The document mentions internal Kremlin tensions, including a heated meeting between top officials and expanded powers for the Federal Protection Service.

European intelligence agencies reportedly view these developments as signs of growing mistrust and instability within Russia’s ruling elite.

A United Airlines Boeing 767 arriving from Venice struck a lamppost and a delivery truck while landing in New Jersey, United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft, operating as Flight 169, made contact with a light post on the New Jersey Turnpike near Newark Liberty International Airport around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. Despite the collision, the plane landed safely, and an investigation has been initiated.

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, none of the 221 passengers or 10 crew members on board were injured. The truck driver sustained minor injuries, received treatment at a hospital, and was later released. The incident caused minor damage to the aircraft and to a southbound tractor-trailer. United Airlines stated that the involved crew members have been temporarily removed from duty as part of the investigation process.

Authorities said the FAA and other agencies will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the cause and ensure safety compliance.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that ongoing discussions with Iran are 'very positive' and aimed at finding a solution to the conflict. He announced that the United States will soon begin assisting ships trapped in the blocked Strait of Hormuz to exit safely. The announcement came as tensions remain high following recent military actions between the two nations. According to AFP, the initiative will start Monday morning under the name 'Project Freedom'.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran has offered a 14-point proposal to end the war, and Washington has responded through Pakistani mediators. A ceasefire has been in place since April 8, but no permanent peace agreement has been reached. The conflict began after a February 28 US-Israel strike in Iran that killed the country’s supreme leader, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran.

The US Central Command confirmed its participation in Project Freedom, deploying guided-missile destroyers, over 100 air and sea-based aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 troops. Admiral Brad Cooper described the mission as vital for regional security and global economic stability.

Australia and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors as global trade faces disruptions from ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The agreement was signed in Canberra following a meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Albanese said the initiative aims to protect both economies from future shocks and uncertainties.

Prime Minister Takaichi told reporters that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely affected the Indo-Pacific region, and both nations will maintain close communication to address the situation. Australia is Japan’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), while Japan provides about 7 percent of Australia’s diesel imports. Takaichi added that both countries will work to enhance self-reliance and capacity to ensure stable energy supplies.

According to the International Energy Agency, about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with roughly 80 percent destined for Asian countries. Recent restrictions by Iran following U.S. and Israeli attacks have disrupted global oil supply routes.

The United States military has transferred 22 crew members from the seized Iranian container ship MV Tuskar to Pakistan for repatriation to Iran. The ship was detained last month in the Gulf of Oman after allegedly attempting to breach a US naval blockade. Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the US Central Command (CENTCOM), confirmed that the repatriation process was completed on Monday.

According to CENTCOM, the MV Tuskar was seized on April 20 during a US operation in the Gulf of Oman. Tehran has condemned the seizure, calling it an act of piracy. The US military stated that the vessel is now in the process of being returned to its previous ownership. In addition to the 22 crew members, six other passengers—believed to be family members of the sailors—were sent to a Middle Eastern country last week for repatriation.

The incident has added to ongoing maritime tensions between the United States and Iran, particularly over shipping routes in the region.