An oil tanker was struck and left disabled overnight near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions as Iran vowed to answer the latest US sanctions and economic threats against the regime.
The vessel was operating off Oman’s coast, where ships have been moving through the strategic strait under US protection, when it was hit by an unknown projectile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
The impact damaged the tanker’s engine room and left it unable to operate in the water, though no casualties were reported.
Iran did not immediately take responsibility for the strike. But Tehran has repeatedly targeted vessels attempting to bypass its control of the Strait of Hormuz in recent months, and maritime analysts say at least half a dozen ships have been hit in recent weeks.
Since the war began, at least 68 attacks on commercial vessels have been reported in the Persian Gulf and waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, killing at least 20 seafarers and injuring 35 others.
Hours after the tanker was hit, Iran and Oman — the two countries bordering Hormuz — announced a proposed “temporary navigational corridor” intended to clear sea mines and allow ships to pass safely.
The announcement also referred to “the provision of relevant navigational and security services,” language seen as Iran’s shorthand for creating a toll system for vessels using the crucial waterway.
The US has rejected any move to charge ships for passage through Hormuz — a route that once carried one-third of the world’s oil — calling it a non-starter and illegal under international law.
The latest strike came after Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh warned that the regime would take the offensive against its enemies after the US ramped up its economic pressures on Tehran on Monday.
“Our enemies want to launch an economic terrorist attack against us,” state news agency IRNA quoted him.
“This time, they should not think that our approach will be defensive and that we will only defend ourselves. They should also expect an attack from us,” he added.
Iran has also blacklisted 45 tankers that have allegedly violated its protocols when transiting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to fine the vessels or confiscate their cargo.
It remains unclear if the ship attacked on Tuesday was one of the vessels Iran had blacklisted.
Iran’s repeated claim to the Strait of Hormuz triggered a new phase of the war focused on strangling the regime’s economy, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announcing the start of “Operation Economic Outcast.”
The operation would see the US pressure secondary countries to cut off trade with Iran, whose economy is already burdened by western sanctions and historically high inflation.
Iran, meanwhile, is betting it can outlast the pain and also pressure the Trump administration with soaring oil prices over the war and uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz.
With Post Wires
