S.V. Anchan, head of the US-based shipping company Seasafe, reported the incident occurred on 10/5. One UAV struck the Neha, while the other missed its target. At the time of the attack, the vessel had 23 crew members on board but no cargo, and was anchored near Qatar's capital. No casualties were reported in the attack, though the extent of damage to the ship remains unknown.
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Neha cargo ship at Salalah port, Oman, 3/2025. Photo: Marine Traffic
Qatar's Defense Ministry confirmed a UAV attack on a cargo ship in the Persian Gulf on the same day, noting a small fire and no human casualties. The ministry stated it would investigate to identify the attacker but provided no further details. No party has claimed responsibility for these incidents, and Iranian officials have not yet commented.
On 10/5, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Defense Ministry announced its air defenses had "intercepted two Iranian UAVs", reporting no casualties from that attack. Separately, Kuwait's Defense Ministry stated that "several hostile UAVs" entered its airspace early on 10/5 and were shot down, without specifying the exact number.
These attacks took place amid ongoing disagreements between the United States and Iran regarding a peace proposal. President Donald Trump described Iran's response to the US peace initiative as "completely unacceptable," though he did not elaborate on the specifics of the proposal or Iran's reply.
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Location of the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Gulf. Graphic: Guardian
Iran's state television, IRIB, reported that the core of Iran's response centered on ending hostilities on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, and ensuring safe maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also sought compensation from the US, an end to the maritime blockade, guarantees against further attacks, the lifting of sanctions, and the removal of the ban on oil sales.
The US and Israel began an offensive against Iran on 28/2. Fighting ceased following a ceasefire on 8/4, allowing Washington and Tehran to enter negotiations. Iran maintains tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in retaliation.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters, Fox News)
