- The development comes a day after a separate incident near Oman, where a container vessel reportedly came under fire
- Iran is tightening its control over movement through the channel, insisting that vessels obtain clearance before passing
- However, Iranian sources claimed the ship ignored repeated warnings
Tensions in the Gulf have escalated after Iran seized two foreign commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and redirected them to its coastline, shortly after Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Tehran.
According to Iranian state media, Eko Hot Blog reports that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the ships breached maritime rules by entering the waterway without proper coordination, prompting their interception.
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The development comes a day after a separate incident near Oman, where a container vessel reportedly came under fire.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the ship’s captain reported being approached by an Iranian patrol boat before shots were fired, causing significant damage to the vessel’s bridge. No injuries were recorded, and the crew remained safe.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption in the area a major concern for international markets.
Reports indicate that Iran is tightening its control over movement through the channel, insisting that vessels obtain clearance before passing. Officials are also said to be considering new transit conditions for ships using the route.
Meanwhile, conflicting accounts have emerged over the earlier shooting incident. A maritime security firm stated that the targeted vessel, sailing under a Liberian flag, had prior clearance to transit the waterway.
However, Iranian sources claimed the ship ignored repeated warnings.
The situation follows heightened accusations from Tehran, which alleged that the United States had earlier seized an Iranian vessel in nearby waters, describing the move as a violation of the ceasefire and an act of aggression.
The latest developments underscore rising tensions in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease hostilities.
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