Iran attacked merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a missile strike on two merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, despite the current ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
According to preliminary reports, the attack took place on the evening of July 6.
Both ships sustained significant damage, but there were no fatalities or injuries among the crew members.
One of the ships attacked was the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat, which was carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to The Wall Street Journal, prior to the attack, IRGC representatives demanded via radio that commercial vessels avoid routes near the coast of Oman.
According to Axios, the incident could undermine the memorandum on the cessation of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, signed on June 18. The document provided for a two-month ceasefire, Tehran’s commitment to refrain from attacks on civilian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and the creation of conditions for further negotiations on a comprehensive agreement.
Despite the agreements reached, the parties have already violated the ceasefire. In particular, on June 27 and 28, the U.S. launched strikes against Iranian targets, explaining its actions as a response to Iran’s previous attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
Following this, Washington and Tehran announced their intention not to obstruct international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, a new missile strike occurred just as merchant ships were beginning to return more actively to using this strategically important maritime route.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s key transport corridors for the export of oil and liquefied natural gas, so any escalation of the situation in this area could affect global energy markets.
This was reported by the American publications Axios and The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources.
As a reminder, the United States and Oman are seeking a compromise with Tehran regarding the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington is prepared to unfreeze approximately $100 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for Iran relinquishing control over shipping in the strait.
Most American voters believe that Donald Trump’s war in Iran was not worth the cost. A nationwide poll showed that 58% of registered voters share this view regarding the appropriateness of the funds allocated. This is according to a study by Focaldata.
