Seven Days of US-Iran Drama in the Strait of Hormuz: Trump's Actions Leave Everyone Baffled
Tensions in the Middle East have entered a highly dynamic and confusing new phase over the past week. Negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continue to be coloured by tit-for-tat actions, the launch of new military operations, and threats of total destruction from President Donald Trump.
Citing a report from The Guardian on Friday (8 May 2026), the situation, which initially appeared calm with the ceasefire holding, suddenly turned chaotic after the US launched “Project Freedom”. This project is designed to break the deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been strangled by Iran, while the US retaliates by blockading Iranian ports.
Here is the sequence of events that shook the global energy market:
Friday, 1 May 2026
May began with the ceasefire still holding as the war powers deadline nearly expired. A Trump administration official stated that US hostilities towards Iran had been “halted”, referring to the existing ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Tehran had submitted a new peace proposal to Pakistan to forward to Washington. However, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the unspecified terms of the agreement.
“At this point, we are in talks, but they are not reaching an agreement,” Trump said in a statement.
On the other side, the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, while fuel prices across the US surged to their highest level in four years.
Saturday, 2 May 2026
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz was monitored as calm, but Trump made a controversial statement during a rally in Florida. He described the US Navy’s actions as “like pirates” when depicting the recent seizure of an Iranian vessel.
Trump boasted about the US success in taking over the oil cargo from the ship as a highly profitable business. He detailed how US forces landed on the ship and took control of everything.
“We landed on it and we took the ship. We took the cargo, took the oil. It’s a very profitable business,” Trump said.
On that day, Brent crude oil traded at $110 per barrel, down from $126 a few days earlier.
Sunday, 3 May 2026
Seeing stalled negotiations, Trump announced the launch of “Project Freedom”. This project aims to guide stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that the US military’s role is to coordinate and guide trapped ships, not to provide escort using naval assets. Trump claimed his representatives were engaged in “very positive” discussions with Iran.
However, Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of Iran’s Parliament National Security Commission, responded to the project with a stern warning. He emphasised that any form of US intervention would be considered a serious violation.
“Any American intervention in the new Strait of Hormuz maritime system process will be regarded as a violation of the ceasefire,” Azizi stated firmly.
Monday, 4 May 2026
The “Project Freedom” operation began with a frightening start. The US military reported that its forces had destroyed six small Iranian boats and intercepted cruise missiles and drones, although this was denied by Iran.
The United Arab Emirates also reported coming under Iranian missile and drone attacks again after weeks of calm. An enraged Trump immediately issued threats of annihilation if Iran dared to attack US ships attempting to reopen the strait.
“Iranian forces will be blown off the face of the earth if they attack US ships,” Trump threatened.
Due to this tension, Brent oil prices climbed back to $114 per barrel.
Tuesday, 5 May 2026
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth stated that the US had successfully secured the route through the strait. He mocked Iran by saying they no longer control those waters.
“We know the Iranians are embarrassed by this fact. They say they control the strait. They don’t,” Hegseth said.
However, just hours later, Trump surprisingly announced that “Project Freedom” was temporarily suspended only a day after it began. He reasoned that the halt was to make room for peace negotiations following significant progress.
Trump wrote on his social media account that the plan was frozen for a short time to reach a final agreement. After this announcement, oil prices fell to $109.
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Hopes for peace emerged after reports indicated that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war. Trump issued a warning via Truth Social that if Iran did not agree, bombing would resume at a much higher intensity.
Trump stated that the legendary “Epic Fury” operation would end if Iran fulfilled the agreement. However, if the deal failed, he promised greater destruction for Tehran.
“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and unfortunately, it will be at a level and intensity far higher than before,” Trump wrote.
Shortly after, the US military fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker. Iran’s senior negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, responded defiantly via Telegram. Brent oil prices briefly fell below $100 before settling at $101.
Thursday, 7 May 2026
The sudden reason for halting “Project Freedom” began to emerge. Saudi Arabia reportedly was very unhappy with the US operation, threatening to close its air bases and airspace to US aircraft.
Trump was reported