Iran accused of missile attack on merchant ships in Strait of Hormuz

Two commercial vessels have sustained significant damage following what American officials say was a missile attack by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. US sources confirmed to Axios that both ships were hit, though there were no reported casualties among crew members. The incident marks the latest in a series of attacks on shipping in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.
British authorities reported that a fire broke out aboard a tanker vessel operating near Oman following the alleged strike. The ship was able to remain afloat despite the damage sustained in the attack. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region, where shipping has faced repeated threats over recent months.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-third of globally traded oil passes, has been a flashpoint for regional tensions. Iran has previously been accused of launching attacks on commercial shipping in the area, actions it has denied or characterised as defensive measures. The latest incident is likely to raise fresh concerns among international shipping companies operating in the region and could have implications for global energy markets.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.