A tanker was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile while sailing near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel was eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman, when it was reportedly struck on its port side, igniting a fire. No casualties or environmental impact have been reported.
US-Iran Tensions
The reported attack occurred hours before US President Donald Trump departed for a high-stakes NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where leaders are expected to discuss security in the Strait. Tehran has paused fragile negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a lasting deal to end their conflict during the multi-day commemorations for the slain former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On Monday, Trump had told reporters that the US would either reach a deal with Iran or “finish the job.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned negotiations on a final deal “will not commence if threats continue.”
Strait of Hormuz
Authorities in Iran have repeatedly used the Strait of Hormuz – through which around a fifth of the world’s crude flowed before the war – as a bargaining chip. Tehran has tried to strengthen its leverage by saying crew members must gain permission to traverse the strait along routes approved by its officials.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
