The United States initiated a military operation Monday to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran, which responded by launching drone and missile attacks on the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah province. The U.S. said the effort, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' was launched at the request of neutral nations to free vessels stranded in the waterway, some reportedly low on food and fuel, while Iran condemned the move as a provocation and asserted full control over the strait.

Two U.S.-escorted merchant ships successfully transited the strait, according to American officials, though most commercial traffic continued to follow an Iranian-controlled routing system rather than the U.S.-proposed corridor near Oman. Shipping industry executives cited lack of operational clarity and insufficient security guarantees, warning that unilateral U.S. action without Iranian coordination could increase the risk of broader conflict. Insurers have been reluctant to cover transits, and vessel movements remain sharply reduced, disrupting global energy supply chains.

The Gulf crisis has driven U.S. gasoline prices to an average of $4.46 per gallon, up from $2.98 before the escalation, intensifying political pressure on President Donald Trump, who has emphasized energy affordability. The administration has called on NATO and China to contribute naval support or pressure Iran, but critics in Congress argue the operation lacks a clear strategy and risks unauthorized military engagement. Iran, leveraging its geographic position and asymmetric capabilities, continues to control the pace and intensity of the confrontation.

U.S. officials say diplomatic channels remain open, citing 'very positive discussions' with Iranian counterparts, even as both sides maintain combat readiness. The Department of Defense confirmed surveillance and defensive postures are elevated across the region. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.