2 merchant ships attacked near Strait of Hormuz
Photo: Fire on an oil tanker in the strait (Getty Images)
On May 3, two attacks on commercial vessels were recorded in the area of the Strait of Hormuz. One tanker was hit by unknown projectiles 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah in the UAE. A bulk carrier was attacked by several small vessels near the Iranian city of Sirik. Crews of both ships were unharmed, reports UKMTO.
Two incidents in one day
In the first case, a tanker reported being struck by unknown projectiles. The incident occurred 78 nautical miles north of the UAE. The crew is safe, and no environmental contamination has been reported.
In the second incident, the captain of a bulk carrier heading north reported being attacked by several small vessels approximately 11 nautical miles west of the Iranian city of Sirik. The crew was also unharmed.
The British maritime trade organisation UKMTO is urging all vessels in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in effect since April 8, but the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Previously, about 20% of the world's oil and gas passed through it.
According to various sources, Tehran has softened its stance: it has dropped several of its previous demands and agreed to put its nuclear program on the table for negotiations with Washington. The updated draft agreement also envisions a gradual resumption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after the US blockade is lifted.
Meanwhile, Germany's foreign minister spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. Berlin is urging Tehran to abandon nuclear weapons and open the Strait.
Despite the strait still being blocked, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assures that oil prices will fall by the end of the year. The reason will be the United Arab Emirates' departure from OPEC, after which the UAE is likely to ramp up production.
