According to two US officials speaking to US media Axios, on the evening of July 6 local time, the Iranian military launched at least two missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 6th, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported receiving a distress call from an oil tanker. The tanker, sailing south near the Omani coast in the Strait of Hormuz, was hit by an unidentified object, sparking a fire.
US officials stated another commercial ship was also struck by Iranian missiles. They added that both vessels suffered severe damage, but miraculously, there were no casualties.
Further reports from maritime radio channels near the Strait of Hormuz reveal that on the early morning of July 7, a liquefied natural gas carrier issued multiple distress alerts after being attacked in the Gulf of Oman, reporting an engine room fire but all crew members safe.
Axios suggests Iran’s resumption of attacks could put the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran at risk. The US is highly likely to launch retaliatory strikes.
Before the conflict erupted, the Strait of Hormuz was a critical international waterway where ships could freely transit, carrying oil and gas from the Persian Gulf to the world. However, following the US-Israel provoked war, Iran blockaded this global trade chokepoint, sending energy prices soaring.
Earlier reports indicated that to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian government established a multi-layered and complex transit system.
Reuters, citing sources, previously reported that the latest transit system sets clear priorities: Russian and Chinese vessels, from countries with close ties to Iran, get top priority; followed by ships from friendly nations like India and Pakistan; and finally, through bilateral negotiations, other vessels can gain passage.
In May, Iran established a new body, the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority,” to oversee the Strait of Hormuz. The authority reaffirmed Iran’s “management and supervision scope” over the strait, emphasizing that ships must coordinate and obtain permission from Iran to navigate these waters.
