Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched a minimum of two missiles at commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz Wednesday night, according to Axios, referencing two U.S. officials.
According to a story from a US official, two commercial vessels sustained considerable damage; however, there were no fatalities.
Independently, Britain’s maritime security service said that a tanker ignited following an impact from an unidentified projectile east of Oman’s Limah early today.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) reported early Tuesday that the tanker was hit on its port side while proceeding southward around 8 nautical miles (15 km) east of Limah, resulting in a fire. No fatalities or environmental repercussions have been reported.
Reuters was unable to promptly authenticate the Axios report or ascertain if the vessels mentioned therein encompassed the tanker referenced in the UKMTO advice.
The US Central Command did not promptly reply to a request for commentary.
The investigations highlighted the dangers to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the constricted passage between Iran and Oman that facilitates around one-fifth of global oil consumption. Commercial vessels have been targeted throughout the conflict initiated by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, notwithstanding an interim deal that encompassed safe-passage measures.
Indirect negotiations between the US and Iran concluded last week without any visible progress towards a sustainable peace, despite a 60-day ceasefire aimed at facilitating diplomacy following the US and Israeli bombings that triggered the conflict.
President Donald Trump stated yesterday that the United States would either negotiate an agreement with Iran or “complete the task,” reiterating his threat of military intervention as Tehran displayed reiterating his threat of military intervention as Tehran displays defiance following the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
PREPARED TO ENGAGE YOU
The Wall Street Journal claimed yesterday that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards cautioned vessels by maritime radio over the weekend, stating, “Our missiles and drones are prepared to engage.” This information was derived from a recording received by the publication.
One of the targeted vessels seemed to be Al Rekayyat, a liquefied natural gas tanker owned and operated by Nakilat QGTS. QA, or Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd, has one of the largest LNG transport fleets globally, according to the WSJ, which said that the vessel was struck on the port side, near the upper section of the engine room. Fire in the engine room accompanied by dense smoke. Incapable of evaluating more damage. All crew members are safe and assembled on the starboard side,” the WSJ reported from a clip.
The ship was positioned at the strait’s entrance in the Gulf of Oman when it was assaulted, according to the WSJ.
Nakilat, QatarEnergy, and Qatar’s International Media Office did not promptly react to enquiries submitted outside regular work hours.
Investors are closely monitoring discussions between the US and Iran over the status of ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while also observing the resurgence of Gulf oil exports.
