Missile Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Picture: Reuters
An oil tanker was struck by a missile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to a British maritime security agency, marking the latest escalation following renewed exchanges of attacks between the United States and Iran.
According to Reuters, the incident comes just two days after a cargo vessel was attacked on Thursday, fueling fresh tensions in one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes.
The British maritime security agency said the missile damaged the tanker's bridge, but all crew members were reported safe.
Iran has not claimed responsibility for targeting any specific vessel. However, Iranian state television reported that the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired warning shots at several ships traveling through what it described as unauthorized routes. The report added that some vessels were attempting to transit the strait after obtaining permission from Iranian authorities.
Earlier, Iran's Foreign Ministry said it had launched what it described as ‘defensive’ strikes against US-related military targets in response to American actions. Reports also emerged of Iranian drone attacks in Bahrain, home to the US Navy's regional headquarters.
The US military has not issued an immediate response to the latest developments.
Iran has previously targeted US military installations across the Persian Gulf region in retaliation for American military strikes.
