Iran Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions

Iran claimed it struck an oil tanker, the Togo-flagged Trend, attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's state broadcaster, citing the Revolutionary Guard Corps, this was due to an 'illegal attempt' by the vessel to transit the waterway. The Associated Press could not immediately confirm the report.

The Revolutionary Guard's navy warned that unauthorized passage through the strait would result in the 'destruction' of offending vessels. Tehran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched a war on February 28.

A ship security incident was reported overnight, 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. The crew was safe, and no environmental impact had been confirmed, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The US military has been guiding some commercial ships through the strait off Oman due to the risk of Iranian attacks.

South Korea is considering expanding its naval operations in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen and Somalia to protect its vessels and oil shipping routes. President Lee Jae Myung stated that South Korea would not take action drawing it into the US-Iran conflict, but acknowledged the threat to its economy and need for protection.