From Malay Mail · · 1m 40s
A ship burns in the Strait of Hormuz
One dead, three hurt, and nobody will say who fired the projectile that hit a merchant vessel off Qeshm.
In brief
One dead, three hurt, and nobody will say who fired the projectile that hit a merchant vessel off Qeshm. The world's most important oil passage is now a toll gate Iran controls by force, and ships that don't comply get hit. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
A strike before dawn
A merchant vessel was hit at around 5:00 am Sunday off the coasts of Hengam and Qeshm islands. One crew member was killed and three were injured.
“A merchant vessel was struck around 5:00 am (0130 GMT) this morning off the coasts of Hengam and Qeshm islands.”
Explosions around Qeshm
Qeshm city governor Amir Teymouri confirmed the casualties on state TV but would not say where the strike came from. Several explosions were reported overnight around the island.
An unknown projectile
UK Maritime Trade Operations said it received reports of a vessel hit by an unknown projectile while transiting the strait. A fire broke out on board and crew were being evacuated.
“A fire has broken out onboard the vessel following the reported attack.”
Talks the very next day
Iran and Gulf states are due to meet in Oman on Monday over the blockaded route. Oman borders the strait, which carries a large share of the world's oil and gas trade.
Six months of war
The strait has become the central flashpoint between Iran and the United States since attacks by the US and Israel started the war on February 28.
A free passage, closed
In retaliation, Iran blocked the waterway. Vessels now need Iranian authorisation to pass, justified on security and sovereignty grounds, and Tehran is weighing service fees on top.
Comply or get hit
Ships that pass without permission are frequently targeted by Iranian strikes. The US answers with sporadic bombing of the Iranian coast to contest Tehran's grip.
What matters most
The world's most important oil passage is now a toll gate Iran controls by force, and ships that don't comply get hit.
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