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

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as Iran claims it struck an oil tanker trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The Togo-flagged oil tanker, Trend, was allegedly attacked on Thursday night after attempting to pass through the strait without authorization. According to the Revolutionary Guard Corps, vessels attempting to do so will face 'destruction.'

The incident occurred as hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Tehran, the largest show of support for the government since the US and Israel launched attacks in February. Protesters trampled flags of the US and Israel, while chanting 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel.'

South Korea is considering expanding its naval operations in the Gulf of Aden to protect its ships and oil-shipping routes, but will not send troops to intervene in the Iran war. The country's president, Lee Jae Myung, stressed that South Korea would not take action that would draw it into the US-Iran conflict.

Meanwhile, a separate tanker was struck by an 'unknown projectile' while transiting out of the strait on Wednesday, with the crew reported safe. No other details were available.