The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is being tested as both sides trade fire and threats around the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces are operating to reopen and escort commercial shipping through the waterway in an effort described by President Donald Trump as “Project Freedom,” aiming to help stranded tankers and merchant vessels move out of the region. Iran challenges the move as a violation of the roughly three-week ceasefire. Multiple reports say the U.S. destroys or sinks Iranian small boats that it says were targeting civilian traffic, along with missiles and drones associated with those actions. Separately, Iran has targeted or fired at locations in the United Arab Emirates, including an oil-related facility, which has contributed to market jitters and heightened fears of renewed conflict. UAE officials report missile alerts and attacks, and say it came under attack for the first time since early April, with further reports describing incidents involving ships in or near the strait. The two sides also issue competing accounts about claims of hits on U.S. naval forces. Overall, outlets describe escalating confrontations occurring while the ceasefire remains in place but increasingly strained.