The incident occurred on 25/6, approximately 14 km southeast of Dahit, Oman. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported: "The cargo ship was struck on its starboard side by an unidentified object, causing damage to the bridge. The captain reported no casualties or environmental impact."

Hai US officials told Reuters that Iran attacked mot cargo ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to mot security source, a drone likely attacked the vessel.

The Ever Lovely cargo ship in 2022. *Photo: Vessel Finder*

Vanguard Tech, a UK maritime security firm, identified the target as the Singapore-flagged container ship Ever Lovely.

The attack prompted the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to suspend an evacuation operation for approximately 11,000 trapped sailors due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This program had launched on the evening of 23/6.

"I have decided to halt the plan to reconfirm that the necessary safety assurances are maintained for vessels on our evacuation list, as well as all ships operating in the area", IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated, adding that the attacked ship was not moving under the organization's evacuation plan.

Iranian and US officials have not yet commented on the incident.

The attack on the cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz followed a demand made earlier the same day by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC required all vessels to use transit lanes it had announced, warning of action against any violating vehicles. The IRGC previously stated that "some authorities announcing new transit lanes in the Strait of Hormuz" was unacceptable.

The Combined Maritime Forces, part of UKMTO, had previously advised on 18/6 that "the southbound lane, along the Omani coast, is clear of mines and is the recommended route", also publishing a series of coordinates identifying safe passage.

Transit lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

According to Reuters, the attack will likely draw further attention to Iran's future control over the Strait of Hormuz. This maritime route typically transports about 20% of the global oil and gas supply during peacetime.

Before this incident, US Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio warned Iran of potential consequences if it threatened or blocked ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Tehran has signaled its intention to continue asserting control over this vital maritime route.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Reuters)