Oman rescues 25 crew as attacks and mine threats disrupt Hormuz shipping
OMAN has rescued 25 crew members from a burning merchant vessel after it was attacked on Friday, as fresh incidents involving oil tankers heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Maritime Security Centre Oman said its navy carried out an evac...
An attack on a burning tanker off the coast of Oman led to the rescue of 25 crew members on Friday. Iran has restricted shipping movements in the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 in response to attacks by the U.S. and Israel. The Maritime Security Centre Oman's navy conducted the evacuation, treating the crew for their injuries despite their condition remaining undisclosed.
The strait, a critical conduit for about a fifth of the world's oil supplies, has been a hotbed for conflict and threats. The U.S. has cleared shipping routes of mines laid by Iran and maintains a presence in the region to ensure safe passage. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a separate incident where an unidentified object struck a vessel off Iran's Lavan Island, causing a fire.
Iran insists vessels must use designated routes, with the southern corridor closest to Oman's waters deemed unauthorized. Iran alleges these vessels switched off their navigation systems before attempting to use the forbidden route with U.S. assistance, labeling the U.S. forces as terrorists. Iran also stated that at least four oil tankers were stopped in the area after striking mines, including a very large crude carrier carrying two million barrels of oil that exploded while navigating an unauthorized route.
The U.S. has countered Iran's restrictions by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports, further impeding the country's oil exports and trade.
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