Statements by Donald Trump, shots from Iran: towards the end of the ceasefire in the Middle East?

Published on May 4, 2026, at 21:12 – Updated on May 4, 2026, at 23:35

The situation is heating up again in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. The American army announced on Monday, May 4, that they destroyed seven small Iranian boats. Tehran retaliated by firing missiles at ships. Is this the end of the ceasefire in the Middle East?

This text corresponds to part of the transcription of the above report. Click on the video to watch it in full.

The petrolier stage of Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates, is on fire, hit by an Iranian drone on Monday, May 4, in the afternoon. Iran resumes drone and missile strikes, despite the ceasefire agreed less than a month ago with the United States. The escalation follows the announcement on Monday, May 4, by Donald Trump of an American military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation is named “Project Freedom.” “We will safely guide ships out of the restricted waterways so they can freely resume their business,” declared the American president.

The American command center claims to have sent destroyers into the Persian Gulf, where hundreds of ships are stranded. The army says it is mobilizing 15,000 soldiers and a hundred aircraft to escort merchant ships out of the strait. On a tracking app, several flyovers of American military planes are observed on either side of the strait on Monday, May 4. The United States claim to have allowed two American merchant ships to pass through.

On the other hand, Iran denies and still claims total control of the Strait of Hormuz. “Ships, their owners, and shipping companies are well aware that to ensure their security, they must coordinate with the various bodies of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” stated Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Taunts and provocations continue on social media between the two countries. In a montage, the President of the United States claims to hold all the cards. The Iranians, on the other hand, claim to have a better hand.

Beyond the rhetoric, a naval battle is brewing once again. Washington claims to have destroyed seven small Iranian boats. Tehran denies it, but the world of sailors is concerned. “Our fear is that it will become a battleground with more powerful weapons, with merchant ships being held hostage, but also being targeted. There is great concern about a higher-level conflict than we have seen before,” emphasizes Emmanuel Chalard, delegate of the CGT Merchant Navy.

Close to 900 ships and 20,000 sailors are still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.