The Strait of Hormuz crisis escalated dramatically on May 4, moving from threats to direct military clashes. In the morning, Trump launched 'Project Liberty' to escort ships, while Iran warned it would attack US forces. By late morning, Iranian media claimed missiles struck a US frigate, though Washington denied. The UAE reported Iranian drone strikes on its tanker. In the afternoon, a South Korean ship caught fire after an explosion in the strait. The UAE oil terminal at Fujairah was hit by Iranian drones and missiles. Trump then claimed US forces destroyed seven Iranian boats. Israel's military went on high alert after intercepting Iranian missiles. The day ended with Trump asserting Iranian leaders had been 'eliminated' and the UAE intercepting 15 Iranian missiles. Domestically, the hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and the Alloncle report on public broadcasting continued to draw coverage.