Tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have escalated again after Iran said its forces struck an oil tanker attempting to pass through the strategically critical waterway.
Iran said the Togo-flagged tanker Trend was targeted Thursday night after what Tehran described as an “illegal attempt” to transit the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Associated Press said it could not immediately independently confirm Iran’s account of the incident.
New Warning Over the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy also issued a warning that vessels attempting to cross the strait without authorization could face military action.
The latest development comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most closely watched shipping routes in the world.
Shipping activity has already been significantly disrupted by the conflict. Reuters reported that only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, compared with a 10-day average of roughly 16.
Before the current Iran conflict, the waterway carried around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas, making any disruption potentially important for global energy markets.
Another Tanker Incident Reported
The latest Iranian claim comes amid other security incidents involving commercial vessels in the region.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that another tanker was struck by an unknown projectile on Wednesday while leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The crew was reported safe.
It was not immediately clear who was responsible for that incident.
Why It Matters for the U.S.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint in the continuing U.S.–Iran conflict.
Disruptions to tanker traffic can affect global oil supplies, shipping costs and ultimately energy prices far beyond the Middle East.
With military tensions continuing and commercial ships facing increased risks, developments around Hormuz are likely to remain closely watched in Washington and across global markets.