Alleged attack on ship in the Strait of Hormuz
The striking of a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz has sparked new tension in the delicate relations between the US and Iran. While there were no casualties in the incident, the ship sustained damage.
12punto
US officials and various reports from the region have reported that a Singapore-flagged cargo ship sailing near the Strait of Hormuz was attacked. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is being pointed to as the party responsible for the attack. It was reported that while the ship sustained material damage due to an unknown munition hitting it, the crew was unharmed.
The incident occurred following an agreement reportedly reached in recent days between the US and Iran, which aimed to end conflicts in the region and restore the maritime trade route to its former function. Security circles point out that the attack may have been carried out using a kamikaze drone.
Shortly before the attack took place, the Iranian administration had issued a warning stating that only routes approved by them should be used in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. Following this warning, the targeting of the Singapore-flagged cargo ship named "Ever Lovely" has increased tensions in the region.
In a statement made by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), it was stated, "A cargo ship was struck on the starboard side by an unknown munition, causing damage to the bridge. The captain has reported no casualties or environmental damage." The ship was attacked approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of the Port of Duqm in Oman.
The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that the evacuation program, which has been ongoing since February due to the US-Iran war, has been temporarily suspended as threats to commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz have increased.