Three ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz were hit by drones, causing some damage to the vessels.
Iranian state media reported that one tanker traveling near the Omani coast was hit after it ignored a warning from the IRGC. The British military said that projectiles hit two other vessels. There were no reports of injuries, and one tanker was able to continue.
Iran is suspected of having attacked the three vessels for not using the shipping lanes designated by Tehran. The first tanker hit was carrying liquefied natural gas from Qatar. Doha condemned the attack and considers Iran responsible.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in the war between the US/Israel and Iran. After Washington and Tel Aviv started the conflict, Tehran seized control of the Strait. Washington is demanding that the waterway return to its prewar status, while Tehran says any peace agreement must recognize Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait.
Iran plans to set up a tolling system in the Strait and is requiring all vessels transiting the waterway to use its shipping lanes.
Last month, the US and Oman attempted to open shipping lanes bypassing routes approved by Iran. The IRGC attacked multiple ships, leading to several days of fighting between the US and Iran.
