Breaking News! The US and Iran are directly clashing in the Strait of Hormuz, and the scope of the conflict may continue to expand! US stocks plummet!

May 4-5 — The situation in the Middle East appears to be escalating significantly, with the US and Iran and related parties shifting from confrontation to direct military engagement, and regional conflict spiraling out of control.

On May 4, Iran launched a drone attack on the UAE’s Fujeirah oil industrial zone and nearby waters, causing a large fire in the industrial area, with one UAE oil tanker and one South Korean cargo ship being attacked; previously, the UAE Ministry of Defense intercepted four Iranian cruise missiles, explosions sounded in multiple locations within the country, and four air raid alerts were issued within hours. In response, the UAE issued a strong warning, declaring it would carry out severe retaliation against Iran, and the two countries entered into open confrontation, with conflicts around the Strait of Hormuz further spreading.

On May 5, U.S. Central Command Commander Cooper confirmed that U.S. military forces in the Strait of Hormuz took military action, sinking six Iranian small armed speedboats, and intercepting Iranian cruise missiles and multiple attack drones; the U.S. stated that the operation was due to Iranian armed speedboats deliberately blocking and harassing passing ships, threatening international shipping and U.S. naval safety.

Meanwhile, Iran also launched a counterattack, with two missiles hitting a U.S. warship near Jask Island. Due to the impact of the Middle East military conflict, international oil prices surged instantly to $118 per barrel, and the regional situation continues to worsen.