Tanker Hit in Strait of Hormuz on First Day of U.S. 'Economic War' on Iran

On the first day of the United States shifting its offensive against Iran to economic sanctions, the targeting of ships continued in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CNN and other broadcasters, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman, a country bordering the Strait of Hormuz, leaving it immobilized.

The UKMTO stated that the tanker, which was passing a point 9 nautical miles (approx. 16.7 km) off the northeastern coast of Oman, was attacked in the early hours of the 25th local time.

The attack damaged the tanker's engine room, rendering it unable to continue operating, though no casualties have been reported so far.

The environmental impact of the strike has not yet been confirmed, and the nationality and destination of the tanker remain unknown.

This strike occurred to coincide with the timing of the U.S. government declaring an economic war against Iran.

The UKMTO stated, "Authorities are investigating the incident," and advised that "vessels (navigating the Strait of Hormuz) should proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity."

The Donald Trump administration announced what it calls an "operation of economic ostracism," centered on imposing secondary sanctions on other countries trading certain goods with Iran, effective as of the 24th Eastern Time.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.