President Trump announced Project Freedom to escort neutral ships out of the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM begins the mission Monday amid warnings from Tehran and concerns over the April 7 ceasefire.

An Iranian VLCC carrying 1.9M barrels of oil has reached the Far East after evading a U.S. naval blockade. Maritime monitors report the ship went dark after departing the Strait of Malacca.

At least three passengers have died on the MV Hondius following a suspected Hantavirus outbreak in the Atlantic. The ship is heading to port for full quarantine and testing by health officials.

Iran has reportedly warned neighbors of plans to target the UAE in response to US-Israel hostilities. Despite thousands of strikes, the UAE remains a vocal opponent of Tehran's regional influence.

The U.S. has sanctioned Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal and several Hong Kong firms for illicitly trading Iranian oil. Beijing rejects the "long-arm jurisdiction" as geopolitical tensions escalate.