The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported today that the captain of a container ship stated their vessel was approached and fired upon by armed boats belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The incident caused significant damage to the bridge area, though no fire, explosion, or environmental impact occurred. All crew members on board the container ship are safe. The event took place approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of the Oman coast.

According to British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the Liberia-flagged vessel had been "notified it was permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz". Conversely, Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC, reported that the ship "ignored warnings from Iranian armed forces". Following the incident, the IRGC issued a statement asserting its readiness to counter any new acts of aggression in the Strait of Hormuz.

Warships and IRGC speedboats parade in the Persian Gulf in 4/2024. *Photo: Reuters*

This incident follows recent tensions in the vital waterway. On 17/4, Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz in response to a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, it reimposed a blockade on the shipping lane just one day later, citing a port interdiction campaign enforced by the US. On 18/4, IRGC speedboats reportedly approached two commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, firing upon an oil tanker and possibly striking a container ship with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Neither of these previous incidents resulted in human casualties.

Former US President Donald Trump commented on social media on 21/4 that Iran was "financially collapsing" due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. "They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately", he wrote on Truth Social, adding that Iran was "thirsty for money". In another post, he suggested Iran closed the strait to "save face" amid the US blockade of Tehran's ports.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz and the attacked container ship. *Graphic: Mapbox*

Earlier the same day, the White House announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran until Tehran presents a proposal for a permanent end to the conflict. However, it stated that the US would continue its blockade of Iranian ports. Tehran strongly criticized this blockade, deeming it a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Iran's Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri stated that the US naval blockade had little impact on the country's ability to supply essential goods and food. He explained, "We have no issues providing essential goods and food, because with our vast territory, we can import through various border crossings. Approximately 85% of agricultural products and essential goods are domestically produced, ensuring food security."