Iran hardliners launched Hormuz attacks in defiance of leaders, undermining US deal — report

On Sunday, a ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and three injuries, according to local Iranian authorities. The merchant vessel was hit around 5am this morning off the coasts of Hengam and Qeshm islands. Qeshm city governor Amir Teymouri reported one fatality and three injuries to state TV, though the source of the strike remained unspecified.

Several explosions were heard overnight in Qeshm, the largest island within the Hormuz strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations monitor later confirmed receiving reports of a vessel being struck by an unknown projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Following the attack, a fire broke out onboard the vessel. Local authorities are now aiding in the evacuation of crew members.

This incident occurs just before a meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman, a neighboring country also bordering the strait, aimed at addressing the contentious route vital for global oil and gas trade. Control over this strategic waterway has become a significant point of contention in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, which has been raging for six months.

In response to attacks by the US and Israel that initiated the war on February 28, Iran has obstructed the waterway, a passage that was previously unrestricted before the conflict. Iran now mandates vessels to seek authorization to traverse the strait, citing security and sovereignty concerns, and is contemplating a system to impose service fees.

Non-compliant vessels have frequently faced Iranian attacks, while the US intermittently bombards the Iranian coast to challenge Tehran's control over the strait.