Iran’s Revolutionary Guards attacked a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to a U.S. official, complicating recent efforts by the United States and Iran to stabilize shipping through one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
The ship’s bridge was damaged after it was struck on its starboard side by what was described as an “unknown projectile” off the coast of Dahit, Oman, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations Centre said in an advisory. No casualties or environmental damage were reported.
Evacuation Plan Paused
In response to the incident, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization temporarily paused a newly launched plan to evacuate vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the decision was made to reassess safety conditions following the strike.
“I have always reiterated that the safety of the seafarers remains paramount,” Dominguez said in a statement, adding that the evacuation plan would remain on hold until authorities could confirm that “necessary safety guarantees continue to be in place.”
The IMO said the vessel had already passed through the Strait of Hormuz before it was hit and was not traveling under the organization’s evacuation framework.
Context of the U.S.-Iran Agreement
The attack comes less than a week after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. The narrow waterway typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply but saw traffic sharply reduced during months of regional conflict.
Under the agreement, Iran committed to using its “best efforts” to ensure toll-free safe passage for commercial ships for a 60-day period. Following the announcement, shipping traffic increased sharply. Data from analytics firm Kpler showed 70 vessels passed through the strait on Tuesday, compared with just six a week earlier. Global oil prices dropped as shipping resumed.
Ongoing Disputes Over Transit Routes
Despite the agreement, disagreements remain over how ships should transit the strait. The IMO outlined two potential evacuation routes: one through Iranian waters in the northern portion of the strait and another through Omani waters in the south.
Iran has insisted that ships seek its permission before transiting and favor routes closer to its coastline. The United States and its allies have supported routes nearer to Oman.
Iran’s Persian Strait Gulf Authority warned Thursday that ships using routes outside those it designates would not be covered by safe-passage guarantees or insurance protections.
International Response
Iran has also not ruled out imposing tolls on ships once the 60-day agreement expires, a move the Trump administration and U.S. allies have said would violate international law. Oman has said it intends to jointly manage the strait with Iran but does not plan to charge tolls.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that the administration would judge Iran based on its actions rather than its statements.
“If ships are moving as they should be moving, then that’s what we’re going to judge,” Rubio said while visiting Bahrain. “If ships are threatened and not moving, that’s a violation of the agreement.”
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains closely watched as governments and shipping companies weigh the risks of operating in the region.
FAQs
Where did the ship attack occur?
In the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman.
Was anyone injured in the strike?
No injuries or environmental damage were reported.
What deal was affected by the incident?
A U.S.-Iran agreement to reopen shipping lanes.
Why did the IMO pause evacuations?
To reassess safety after the ship was struck.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
It carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil.
