A commercial cargo ship was struck by a projectile while sailing near Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz early Sunday, killing one person and injuring four others, according to Iranian state media.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency cited the governor of Qeshm as describing the incident as a “terrorist” attack. However, authorities did not immediately identify who was responsible, and no group or country claimed the strike. The United States military had also not issued an immediate response.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency separately reported that a vessel had been hit by a projectile while transiting the strategically important waterway. A fire subsequently broke out aboard the ship, prompting local authorities to evacuate the crew. It was not immediately confirmed whether the UKMTO alert referred to the same Iranian vessel.
Early casualty figures differed slightly. The Associated Press, citing Iranian media, reported four people wounded, while Reuters carried an initial figure of three injured. The totals may be revised as authorities release further information.
The attack comes amid growing concern about the safety of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Vessel traffic through the area has remained severely restricted because of the continuing conflict and repeated attacks on merchant ships.
The latest incident has also increased fears of further disruption to global oil and gas supplies. Brent crude recently climbed above $100 per barrel as markets reacted to maritime attacks and the temporary closure of Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline following a separate drone strike. The pipeline had been carrying an estimated four million to five million barrels of oil per day.
Regional diplomatic efforts are continuing, with Iran expected to attend an Oman-hosted meeting with Gulf Arab countries to discuss the future management of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials have played down expectations of an immediate agreement or reopening of the waterway.
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