Iran Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz as Regional Tensions Escalate

The Strait of Hormuz has become a hotbed of conflict in recent months. On Thursday night, Iran claimed to have struck an oil tanker trying to pass through the strait without authorization.

Tehran's state broadcaster cited the Revolutionary Guard Corps as saying that the Togo-flagged vessel, the Trend, had attempted to transit the waterway illegally. The broadcaster warned that vessels attempting to do so would face destruction.

However, the Associated Press was unable to confirm the report.

Separately, another tanker was struck by an unknown projectile on Wednesday while transiting out of the strait. Fortunately, the crew reported safe.