New Delhi: A cargo ship was hit by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, raising fresh security concerns in the Persian Gulf region and prompting the United Nations’ maritime agency to pause efforts to help stranded vessels leave the region. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel was struck around 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s Dahit port.
The ship suffered damage, but no injuries or pollution were reported.
Earlier, two US officials told Reuters that Iran was responsible for the attack. Separately, a US official told Associated Press that the merchant vessel Ever Lovely was hit by a drone operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Following the incident, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) suspended its ship evacuation mission through the Strait of Hormuz until safety assurances can be secured. The IMO secretary general, Arsenio Dominguez, said the targeted vessel was not part of the UN-led operation.
Iran warns ships over route use
The attack came shortly after Iran warned vessels against using routes that had not been approved by Tehran. Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority said ships sailing outside designated Iranian routes would not be guaranteed safe passage.
The Revolutionary Guard’s naval arm also criticized a newly announced shipping route through the strait, calling it “unacceptable”.
In a statement carried by state-run IRNA news agency, the force said only routes authorized by Iran should be used. It also warned that vessels violating the rules could face action.
A day earlier, maritime security firm Ambrey reported that an Iranian military operator had threatened a tanker over radio communications, warning that it was within missile range.
Hormuz remains under spotlight
Despite recent tensions, shipping activity in the waterway has started to recover following a temporary understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing hostilities. However, vessel traffic remains below levels seen before the conflict.
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to Bahrain, said Washington remained committed to keeping the waterway open and opposed any attempt to impose transit fees on international shipping.
Talks continue amid tensions
The latest incident comes as the Iran and the US continue negotiations over an interim peace arrangement, with access through the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major issue. Elsewhere in the region, tensions continue. Renewed violence is reported between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The attack on the cargo vessel is expected to add pressure to ongoing diplomatic efforts and renew concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz.