By Desmond Nleya
DUBAI-A vessel sailing through the Strait of Hormuz sustained damage to its engine room after being struck by an unknown projectile, leaving one crew member injured, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran following the expiry of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries on Monday.
US President Donald Trump said Washington was not seeking an extension of the agreement and called on Tehran to “put up the white flag of surrender”. Trump also claimed that US officials were in discussions with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), although the IRGC has denied that any such talks are taking place.
Iranian officials have warned that the country could adopt a more aggressive approach following the expiry of the MoU, particularly in response to possible US military operations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said what he described as “gross” US violations had rendered the MoU’s 60-day deadline for negotiations effectively meaningless.
Baghaei also warned that Iranian forces remained prepared to respond to any attack as tensions continue to rise in the strategically important Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy route, and any disruption to shipping through the waterway could have significant consequences for international trade and oil supplies.
