Projectile Strikes Ship Leaving Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran-U.S. Tensions
A ship exiting the Strait of Hormuz was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing damage and a crew casualty, as Iran says the waterway will stay closed until U.S. demands are met.
A vessel departing the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified projectile early Tuesday, damaging its engine room and resulting in a crew casualty, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported. The incident occurred off Oman’s coast; the Omani Coast Guard is assisting the crew while authorities investigate. No details on the ship’s identity or cargo were released, and the UKMTO said no environmental damage had been reported.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, reiterated that Tehran will keep the strait closed until the United States fulfills its commitments, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets and ending sanctions. He added that the Strait will not reopen without those conditions being met.
The attack comes as Iran continues to limit shipping traffic after closing the strait following the Feb. 28 Israeli and U.S. strikes. The United States maintains a blockade of Iranian vessels in the waterway, and negotiations between the two countries remain stalled. Iran is simultaneously holding separate talks with Oman on a joint plan to manage transits, with a joint statement reportedly being finalized.
In related regional developments, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco refinery, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged U.S. President Donald Trump to pursue diplomatic solutions as the 60-day negotiation window with Iran expires.