Iranian missile attacks on tankers trigger US strikes and Hormuz fee talks
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard struck two Emirati supertankers with missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, killing a crew member and injuring eight others, according to Iranian state media. AP News reported that a tanker caught fire after the projectile strike, and DW. com noted that a UK Maritime Trade Operations centre vessel was hit on its port side, igniting a blaze but causing no immediate casualties. NBC News added that three tankers were hit in quick succession, prompting the United States to revoke a license that had allowed Iranian oil sales. The Guardian said the United States responded with airstrikes on Iranian weapon sites around the strait, while Iran accused Washington of breaching a cease-fire. CNBC reported a sharp drop in tanker traffic and a more than six-percent rise in oil prices after the attacks. Yahoo News Canada noted that Iran expanded missile and drone strikes to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states and declared the strait closed, a move echoed by KSL. com, which said the closure followed an “unauthorised vessel” incident.
Later, CNBC said the United States launched a third round of airstrikes after a Cyprus-flagged container ship was hit, and diplomatic talks continued over navigation routes. The Guardian later described a back-and-forth of accusations between the United States and Iran over control of the waterway after weekend attacks. BBC reported that the United Arab Emirates condemned the missile strike that killed one sailor, while the United States announced a 20 % fee on cargo passing the strait. CNN added that Iran reiterated the closure of the strait and the United States said it would restart a naval blockade and consider the fee. The Independent summarized the episode, noting the missile hits, the third night of U. S. strikes and ongoing diplomatic discussions about a proposed shipping fee.
