Political analyst and war journalist Waiel Awwad has stated that the United States is not honouring the peace framework it signed with Iran, leading to continued attacks on vessels in the region. In an interview with ANI, Awwad highlighted that a recent attack on another vessel off the coast of Oman demonstrates US escalation against Iran.
US Escalation and Iranian Response
According to Awwad, the US is escalating its level of attack on Iran by not adhering to the agreed framework. This has prompted Iran to target ships using alternative routes proposed by the US. Iran has also insisted that any vessel must obtain consent before passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a directive the US is violating. Awwad noted that this cycle of escalation is unlikely to end soon.
He stated, "Well, there is another vessel that has been attacked right now and that gives you a clear indication that the Americans are escalating the level of attack on Iran. There is no question of honouring the framework they have signed with the Iranians and that's why the Iranians are attacking all these ships which are using the other route that the Americans have put. Americans are also violating the instructions given by Iran that any ship should get the consent before passing through the Strait of Hormuz. So therefore this escalation is not going to have an end."
Broader Regional Dynamics
Awwad also pointed to the wider geopolitical picture, asserting that Israel is pushing the United States into a full-fledged war. He noted that Israeli attacks on Iranian cities have occurred, and there are discussions about intensifying strikes on Iran to provoke a large-scale conflict. Israel's two main objectives, according to Awwad, are to remove Iran as a regional power and to completely block the Strait of Hormuz, thereby creating an alternative oil corridor through Israel. He believes these goals will take time to achieve, indicating a prolonged war in the region.
He added, "Let's look at the wider picture. The wider picture is that Israel is pushing the United States into a full-fledged war. There are also attacks on Iranian cities by Israelis that have been carried out and there are talks also that there is a question of improving or increasing the attack on Iran to such a standard that the full-scale war has to break out because there are two objectives for Israel which has not been achieved- to remove Iran as a regional power and also so to make the Strait of Hormuz totally blocked so there is a question of making a different corridor for the oil through Israel. And I believe these objectives will take longer time to achieve and we are watching a long whole war in the region."
US Military Strikes and UAE Response
The US military launched a third round of strikes against Iran on Saturday, July 12, 2026, in response to an Iranian attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US Central Command (Centcom). Meanwhile, the UAE reported that its air defences were dealing with missile threats from Iran. The UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) advised citizens to remain in safe places and follow official warnings and updates.
The escalating tensions underscore the fragile security situation in the region, with multiple actors involved and no immediate resolution in sight.
