Iran Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict between Iran and its adversaries. The Iranian government claimed responsibility for striking an oil tanker, the Togo-flagged Trend, which was attempting to pass through the strait without authorization.
The incident occurred on Thursday night, according to state broadcaster IRIB, citing the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Tehran has asserted control over much of the waterway since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran in February.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Iranians rallied in Tehran in support of their government, calling themselves 'Janfaday-e Iran', or those who sacrifice their lives for Iran. The rally was a show of national unity, despite the worsening economic conditions under the US naval blockade and new sanctions meant to increase Tehran's economic pain.
South Korea is considering expanding its naval operations in the Gulf of Aden to protect its ships and oil-shipping routes but will not deploy troops to intervene in the Iran war. The country has deployed an anti-piracy unit, the Cheonghae Unit, for years to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.