Iran resumes strikes in Strait of Hormuz, commerial ships hit; Tehran says vessel ignored warnings
Tehran, July 7
Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, citing unnamed sources, on Tuesday reported that the Qatarti oil tanker "Al-Raqayat" was targeted after allegedly attempting to transit through the Omani route in the Strait of Hormuz with US Navy support while ignoring repeated Iranian warnings.
IRIB further highlighted Iran's longstanding position that "the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will not return to what it was before the US attack on Iran", adding that the all transit through the Strait must follow routes announced by Iran, otherwise the security of vessels cannot be guaranteed.
The report came after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report from a tanker travelling south near Oman along the Strait of Hormuz coast that had been struck by an unknown projectile, causing a fire.
Citing two US officials, Axios reported that, Iran's military fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One of the ships was reportedly struck near the Omani coast, while a second commercial vessel was also hit by an Iranian missile, a US official said.
Both vessels sustained significant damage, but no casualties were reported.
Axios reported that the strikes followed the expiry of a one-week agreement between the United States and Iran to halt strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The report added that Washington is likely to retaliate with strikes against Iranian targets. It also noted that indirect talks between the US and Iran held in Doha, Qatar, last week ended without significant progress on the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest incident follows days of tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran after earlier attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran maintains that the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) grants it sole responsibility for managing shipping through the vital waterway and has opposed a US-backed maritime corridor in Omani waters, arguing that it violates the agreement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Iran keeps saying they have 'sole responsibility' based on some MoU, but shooting at commercial ships is crossing a red line. Innocent sailors could have died. The US is not exactly innocent either with all its strikes, but two wrongs don't make a right. What about the livelihoods of fishermen and traders who use these waters? 😔
As an Indian, I'm watching this closely. Our external affairs ministry should be on the phone right now. We have millions of citizens working in the Gulf. If the Strait gets blocked or becomes a warzone, our diaspora could be in danger. Plus, crude prices will skyrocket. Modi ji should step up mediation efforts. 🕊️
So the US and Iran had a 'one-week agreement' that already expired? This is what happens when diplomacy is a joke. Both sides are trigger-happy. I'm just glad no one died this time, but how long until casualties happen? The international community needs to enforce freedom of navigation. Enough with the brinkmanship.
Ek baat hai yaar: why does Iran think it owns the Strait? International waters are for everyone. This MoU they keep referencing sounds sketchy. India relies heavily on this route for oil imports. If Iran starts dictating terms, our energy security is at risk. Government must take a firm stand against any unilateral control of global waterways. 🇮🇳✊
Respectfully, Iran has a point about US aggression in the region. The Americans have been bombing them for decades. But shooting at commercial ships is not the solution. Iran is isolating
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.