Cargo vessel struck by projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UK monitoring agency reports

A British maritime monitoring centre said a cargo ship reported being hit by an unknown projectile at about 02:00 local time, roughly 37 km (23 miles) northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center did not disclose the vessel’s flag or cargo, but British security firm Ambrey confirmed the ship sustained damage.

The incident occurred in a waterway that handles about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments and has been the focus of heightened tensions since Iran began targeting shipping in February, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.

"We are, in fact, talking," U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday, asserting that negotiations with Iran had resumed after a brief pause.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei replied that Tehran was not negotiating with the United States, stating that talks were limited to Oman and aimed at securing safe navigation through the strait.

The contrasting statements highlight ongoing diplomatic friction as both sides seek to manage the conflict’s impact on regional shipping.