Iran Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point for tensions in the region as Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for striking an oil tanker sailing under the Togolese flag.

The incident occurred on Friday, with state news agency IRNA reporting that the vessel 'Trend' was targeted and detained after a fire broke out on board. The Revolutionary Guards accused the ship of attempting to circumvent Iran's preferred route through the strait.

This move is part of Tehran's efforts to charge tolls for passage through the vital waterway, which has been effectively blocked by Iran since the US and Israel struck back in late February.

In a separate development, fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels in Yemen left scores of combatants dead. Saudi Arabia reported its first death since hostilities flared anew, with 23 government soldiers killed in missile and drone attacks over the previous 24 hours.