Iran launches drones and missile at US-contracted vessel in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched drones and a missile at a vessel operating under a U. S. contract in the Strait of Hormuz on 16 September, causing minor injuries to American personnel, the New York Post reported. The IRGC had earlier said it struck a remotely operated U. S. vessel on 4 September, according to PressTV. Iran’s security council later announced plans for a restricted maritime zone extending from the U. S. naval blockade line into the Persian Gulf, a move reported by Al Jazeera. Tehran also said it would publish maps for a new international shipping corridor through the strait, Fox News noted. State media announced the unveiling of the Qassem Basir ballistic missile and a pre-emptive defence doctrine, AP News said. Gulf states have been expanding defence infrastructure and seeking new security partners, Yahoo reported, while Al Jazeera warned that escalating U.
S. –Iran strikes threaten oil tankers and could cause large-scale spills. New York Post later described Iranian missiles intercepted by U. S. defenses against warships. Fortune said Brent crude fell after Gulf ministers scheduled talks with Iran, and USA Today reported that Iran and Houthi forces seized control of two key maritime chokepoints, disrupting global trade. The Daily Beast noted a series of U. S. –Iran clashes across the region, and CNN reported that Iran and Gulf nations met to discuss an Omani proposal to reopen the strait without U. S. participation.
