Iran Strikes Commercial Vessel Near Strait of Hormuz
Iranian forces fired a missile at a commercial tanker near the Strait of Hormuz on July 6, causing a fire. The attack could undermine a memorandum signed less than three weeks ago in which Iran agreed to halt such assaults.
On the evening of July 6, Iranian military personnel launched a missile at a commercial vessel transiting near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
According to UKMTO, the attack occurred on Monday eight nautical miles east of the coastal settlement of Lima in Oman. An unknown projectile struck the port side of a tanker, sparking a fire. No casualties or environmental damage were reported, and an investigation is underway.
Two unnamed U.S. officials told Axios that, in fact, two tankers were targeted. The assault could jeopardize a memorandum of understanding signed less than three weeks ago under which Iran agreed to cease attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
The development comes after the first meeting of the joint Iran-Oman committee on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, held in Muscat, Oman's capital. Earlier reports indicated that an agreement between Iran and the United States guarantees Iran revenue from the use of the strait – Tehran will begin levying fees on vessels after 60 days. Iran has taken steps to assert its control over the waterway, setting the stage for a future toll system.
