BackWORLD
US-Iran Ceasefire Live Updates: Ceasefire On Brink As US, Iran Trade Fire, UAE Reports Attacks
A ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in effect since April 8, 2026, was tested in early May as both sides traded fire near the Strait of Hormuz and the UAE reported attacks. A Maersk ship escorted by US forces sailed through Hormuz on May 4, while regional and international actors urged de-escalation amid continuing tensions.
Why It Matters
The events underscore the fragility of the regional ceasefire and the vulnerability of key navigation routes like the Strait of Hormuz, with potential implications for global energy supplies and wider Middle East stability.
Timeline
13 Events
India reiterates support for free navigation and diplomacy
May 5, 2026
India said it supports dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability and called for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law, expressing readiness to support peaceful resolutions.
Ceasefire on brink as US and Iran trade fire
May 5, 2026
A ceasefire between Iran and the United States risked collapse as the two countries traded fire over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state TV says US killed civilians on boats
May 5, 2026
Iranian state TV claimed that the US had killed civilians on boats, and stated that no combat vessels had been hit.
US forces allegedly attack two boats; civilians killed
May 5, 2026
Iranian state television said US forces attacked two small boats carrying people, martyred five civilian passengers, and must be held accountable for the act.
Trump warns Iran over attacks on US vessels
May 5, 2026
US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would be blown off the face of the Earth if they attacked US vessels escorting stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following his announcement of an operation called Project Freedom to escort trapped vessels.
Iran denies pre-planned attack on UAE facilities
May 5, 2026
Iranian state television said Iran had no pre-planned programme to attack the oil facilities in question and blamed US military adventurism for creating a passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
UK, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia call for de-escalation
May 5, 2026
The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia called for de-escalation in the Middle East following reported attacks on the United Arab Emirates.
India condemns attack on Fujairah
May 5, 2026
New Delhi said the reported Iranian attack on the UAE's Fujairah that injured three Indian nationals was unacceptable and called for immediate cessation of hostilities and for free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law.
UAE remote learning order issued
May 5, 2026
Following fresh attacks on the country, the United Arab Emirates education ministry ordered all schools to return to remote teaching for the remainder of the week.
Israel notes high alert after US admiral's announcements
May 4, 2026
An Israeli military official said the army remained on high alert and was monitoring the situation after the US admiral announced the destruction of Iranian boats and the shooting down of missiles.
UAE reports attack on Fujairah energy facility
May 4, 2026
The United Arab Emirates said it came under a barrage of missiles and drones from Iran, with a strike targeting an energy installation in Fujairah that injured three Indian nationals.
Alliance Fairfax exits Persian Gulf under US escort
May 4, 2026
The US-flagged, Maersk ship Alliance Fairfax, which had been stranded in the Gulf since the war began in February, was escorted through the Strait of Hormuz by US forces and exited the Persian Gulf on May 4. The transit was completed without incident and all crew members were reported safe and unharmed.
Ceasefire takes effect between Iran and the United States
April 8, 2026
A ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect, pausing more than two months of intense fighting in the region.