New ship attack reported in Hormuz after US strikes on Iran
Oil tanker at sea (photo: Getty Images)
The new attack on a vessel has raised doubts about the safety of a shipping route that had been considered relatively calm following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to Bloomberg.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says an unidentified projectile struck the upper section of a vessel near the tanker's bridge while it was transiting the strait.
The vessel sustained damage, but according to preliminary information, no crew members were injured.
Following the incident, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) raised the threat level for vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz area to "substantial."
The attack came just days after a temporary peace agreement between the United States and Iran. After the deal, Western naval forces advised vessels to use the southern route along Oman's coastline. That corridor had been considered the safest passage through the strait.
Iran had previously warned shipping companies multiple times to follow transit routes designated by Tehran. Reports indicate that earlier this week, some vessels were even forced to alter course after receiving relevant radio communications.
New escalation in Middle East
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz area escalated sharply following an attack on a civilian vessel on Thursday, June 25. According to media reports, the attack occurred along a route opened under the framework agreement between Iran and the United States.
The following day, US President Donald Trump confirmed the attack and described Tehran's actions as a violation of the ceasefire arrangements.
Overnight into June 27, US Central Command reported strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar stations.
In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had carried out attacks on US assets in the Middle East, describing them as retaliation for the actions of Washington.
