Iran Strikes Oil Tanker Amid Mass Rally in Support of Tehran

The Iranian government has claimed to have struck an oil tanker, the Togo-flagged Trend, for allegedly attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This incident occurred as hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Tehran in support of the government.

According to reports from Iran's state broadcaster, the Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that unauthorized passage through the strait would result in the 'destruction' of offending vessels. The US and Israel launched a war on February 28, leading to Tehran asserting control over the waterway.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a ship security incident near Oman, with no environmental impact or crew injuries. However, it is unclear if this was related to Iran's claim. Separately, another tanker in the strait was hit by an 'unknown projectile,' causing a fire that was later extinguished.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced his government is considering expanding its naval operations in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen and Somalia to protect its vessels and oil shipping routes. However, he emphasized South Korea would not send troops to intervene in the US-Iran conflict.