Trump says Iran Hormuz fire ‘not heavy,’ avoids ceasefire breach claim - ABC

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham urged President Donald Trump to launch a “big, strong, painful and short” military retaliation against Iran after Tehran attacked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at the UAE.

Graham told The Wall Street Journal’s Alexander Ward that Iran “absolutely” violated its ceasefire with the United States, saying the attacks provided “justification to hit Iran hard to further reduce their capabilities and interference with freedom of navigation, as well as wreaking havoc on the region.”

“The actions today are inconsistent with a regime that wants a diplomatic solution,” Graham added.

The UAE Defense Ministry said on Monday its air defense systems engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones launched from Iran.

The ministry said the attacks resulted in three moderate injuries.

The UAE Defense Ministry said it remains fully prepared to confront any threats and would act to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.

A fire at energy facilities in the UAE's Fujairah was the result of US military adventurism and Iran had no pre-planned operation to attack the site, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported, citing a military source.

The source said the incident resulted from "US military action aimed at creating a passage for the illegal transit of ships through restricted routes in the Strait of Hormuz."

The source added that US officials should end what he described as the use of force in diplomacy and stop military adventurism in the sensitive oil region.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

“These attacks are unacceptable and constitute a clear violation of sovereignty and international law,” she said on X.

“We will keep working closely with our partners on de-escalation and diplomatic resolution, to bring an end to the Iranian regime’s brutal actions,” she added.

Iran’s escalation and targeting of civilians reflects “moral bankruptcy by a regime that has chosen aggression in dealing with its neighbors,” Anwar Gargash, UAE presidential advisor, said on X.

“The UAE’s firm and principled stance will not be intimidated by this escalation, nor will it allow it to shape the future of relations in the region,” Gargash said.

“Once again, Iran has misread the situation,” he added.