Iran Targets Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has seen another incident involving an oil tanker, this time with Iran claiming responsibility for striking a vessel attempting to pass through the waterway. The Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend was reportedly hit by Iranian authorities after what they described as an 'illegal attempt' to cross the strait on Thursday night.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps cited by state broadcaster claimed that ships trying to navigate the strait without permission could be 'destroyed'. Since the US and Israel began their attacks in February, Tehran has asserted control over large portions of the strategically important waterway.
Separately, another tanker was hit by an 'unknown projectile' on Wednesday while leaving the strait, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. The crew was said to be safe, although no further information is immediately available.